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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Hiotographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


c5 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  lyiicroreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  nr^icroreproductions  historiques 


lechnical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  tachniquas  at  bibliographiquaa 


The  Instituta  has  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  bast 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faaturas  of  this 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographically  uniqua, 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagas  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 
D 
D 
D 
D 
D 
D 
D 
D 

n 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagAe 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurie  et/ou  pellicula 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartas  g6ographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
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Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli4  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrie  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  le  long  de  la  marge  intiriaure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  bsen  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lors  d'une  restaiiration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  4tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  M  fiimtes. 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  iti  possible  ae  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  una 
modification  dans  la  mAthode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquAs  ci-dessous. 


I      I   Coloured  pages/ 


0 

D 
0 
D 


D 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagies 

Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  pelliculAes 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  dicolorias,  tacheties  ou  piqu6es 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ditachies 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 


nn    Quality  of  print  varias/ 


Quality  inigala  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  mat6riel  suppl^mentaira 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
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ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
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obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


I    71    Additional  comments:/ 

L^    Commentaires  supplAmantaires; 


Wrinkled  pages  may  film  slightly  out  of  focus. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmi  au  taux  de  rMuction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

J 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmad  h«r«  has  b««n  r«produc«d  thanks 
to  the  ttanarosity  of: 

Douglas  Library 
Queen's  University 


L'exemplaire  film*  fut  reproduit  grice  A  la 
g*n4rositA  de: 

Douglas  Library 
Queen's  University 


The  Images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
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filming  contract  specifications. 


Original  copies  In  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  IK,  j  crated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  Impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  Images  suivantes  ont  4tA  reproduitM  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  le  condiuion  et 
de  la  nettet*  de  l'exemplaire  tiimA,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Los  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  eet  ImprlmAe  sent  filmAs  en  commen9ant 
par  I'j  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  ia 
dernlire  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impresslon  ou  d'illustratlon,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sent  filmte  en  commenpant  par  la 
premlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impresslon  ou  d'illustratlon  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  lacorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED "),  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END  "), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  dee  symboles  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
dernidre  Image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbols  — ►  signifis  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbols  ▼  signifis  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  lar^e  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmte  A  des  taux  de  reduction  dIffArents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atro 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cllchA,  11  est  film*  A  partir 
de  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  has,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
lllustrent  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

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2 

3 

4 

6 

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OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 


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WITH 


THE  DEPARTMENT  OF  WAR, 


^' 


BXLATITK  TO  TBR 


MILITARY  OPERATIONS  OF  THE  AMERICAN  ARMY 


^■ 


VROXE  THE  COMIUND  OF 


MAJOR  GENERAL  IZARD, 


% 


OITTHB 


Northern  Frontier  of  the  United  Statei. 


IN  THE  YEARS  1814  AND  1815. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED  BY  THOMAS  DOBSON,  AT  THE  STONE  HOUSE. 

No.  41,  SOUTH  SECOND  STREET. 

WiUiam  Fry,  Printer. 

1816. 


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District  of  Pennitylvania,  to  wit: 


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.**.t***»«       Bf;  1 1   KKMEM BRUEI),  That  on  the  twenty-ninth  day 
•  SEAL.  J   of  Mav,  in  t!ie  fortiwth  year  of  tlie  Independence  of  the 
«•••••••••    United' States  of  America,  A.  ».1816,  Thomas  Dobson,  of 

the  saiil  district,  hath  deposited  in  this  offict,  tlie  title  of  a  boolc,  tlie 
right  whereof  he  claims  as  proprietor,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"OflScial  Correspondence  with  the  Department  of  War,  relating  to 
the  Military  Operations  of  the  American  Army  under  the  command  of 
Major  General  Izard,  on  the  Northern  Frontier  of  the  Uuited  States, 
in  the  years  1814  and  1815." 

In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  intitu- 
led,  "  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies 
of  maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  ofsuch  copiet 
during  the  times  therein  mentioned." — And  also  to  the  act,  entitled) 
"  An  act  supplementary  to  an  act,  entitled,  "  An  net  for  the  encourage- 
ment of  learning,  by  securing  the  copies  of  majjs.  charts,  and  books,  to 
the  authors  and  proprietnrs  of  such  copies  during  the  times  therein 
mentioned,"  and  extending  the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of  design- 
ing, engraving,  and  etching  historical  and  otlier  prints." 

D.  CALDWELL, 
Clerk  of  the  District  of  Fennsylvaniat 


11 


is- 


I 


■«'■ 


1-1 


' '^    .''TFfr.ir  ■■ 


INTRODUCTION. 


% 


The  people,  in  our  free  and  happy  country,  have  the 
right  to  expect  information  respecting  events  of  national 
interest;  and  every  man,  who  has  been  placed  in  a  situation 
of  trust  in  the  public  service,  is  amenable  to  the  great 
tribunal  of  public  opinion, — whose  judgments  differ  from 
those  of  posterity,  only  inasmuch  as  time  exposes  to  the 
latter,  misrepresentations  which  not  unfrequently  involve 
contemporary  history  in  doubt  and  obscurity. 

The  following  correspondence  will  enable  the  attentive 
reader  to  judge  of  the  real  state  of  our  military  affairs  on 
the  northern  frontier,  during  the  last  year  of  the  war  with 
Great  Britain.  It  may  be  proper  here  to  remark,  ttiat  our 
estimates,  at  that  time,  of  the  British  force  in  the  Canadas 
were  considerably  below  the  truth.  From  unquestionable 
sources  of  information,  since  the  peace,  it  has  been  ascer- 


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tained  that  in  the  month  of  October,  1814,  there  were 
from  thirty-four  to  thirty-five  thousand  British  regular 
troops  in  the  upper  and  lower  provinces;  on  the  American 
side  (from  Detroit  to  Plattsburg  inchisively)  the  whole 
amount  of  the  effective  United  States*  forces  never  ex- 
ceeded ten  thousand  men. 

It  may  now  be  determined  with  what  degree  of  justice 
h  clamour  was  raised  against  the  military  conduct  of  the 
officer  commanding  in  chief  on  the  northern  frontier  at 
the  close  of  the  war.  Puerile  vanity  may  have  attributed 
to  itself  success  which  had  been  prepared  by  the  foresight 
and  exertions  of  another; — pride  may  have  hesitated  to 
acknowledge  the  relief  afforded  in  its  distress;-«-arrogance 
may  have  sought  consolation  for  its  repulse,  by  encourag- 
ing calumny; — and  malice,  writhing  under  chastisement, 
may  have  exulted  in  the  prospect  of  attaching  its  venom  to 
the  fair  fame  of  an  honest  man  and  a  successful  commander; 
but  the  offspring  of  falsehood  and  folly  must  vanish  before 
the  mirror  of  truth. 

The  appearance  of  a  pamphlet,  ascribed  to  the  pen  of 
General  Armstrong,  (in  which  offensive  mention  was  made 
of  Major  General  Izard,)  induced  the  latter  to  inquire  of 
the  supposed  author,  if  he  avowed  the  production; — it 
was  disavowed  in  the  following  terms. 


V 


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('•   ■■  •■ 


♦.t,  <i. 


"  La  Bergerie,  25  ^/ri/,  1816.  ^ 


"  SIR, 


"I  received  your  letter  of  the  17th  instant  by  Saturday's 
mail,  and  the  duplicate  copy  by  that  of  yesterday.  I  am  not 
the  author  of  the  pamphlet  to  which  you  refer,  and  which 
you  say  the  public  voice  ascribes  to  me.  Though  no  ap'- 
prover  of  your  military  conduct  in  the  campaign  of  1814, 
I  have  not  published  a  line  on  that  subject.  You  do  me  no 
more  than  justice  in  supposing  that  what  I  write,  I  am 
willing  to  acknowledge. 

* 

I  am,  sir,  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,        ^ 
JOHN  ARMSTRONG." 

'    Gen. Izard,  Philadelphia.  •  ..■. 

r 

...    ,_,. 

With  an  anonymous  libeller,  no  man  of  honour  can 
enter  the  lists.  The  sarcasm  levelled  at  Gen.  I's  character 
was  entitled  to  notice,  only  as  coming  from  a  personage, 
whose  opinions  might  appear  to  the  world  the  result  of  an 
intimate  acquaintance  with  facts.  But  as  Gen.  Armstrong 
has  (in  the  above  quoted  letter)  announced  himself  unequi- 
vocally to  be  no  approver  of  the  military  conduct  of  one 
who,  during  his  ministry,  was  placed  in  a  situation  so 
responsible,  as  well  as  honourable,  as  that  of  commander 
of  the  principal  army  on  the  menaced  frontier  of  the 


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United*States, — General  Izard  feels  it  incumbent  on  him, 
as  an  American  and  a  soldier,  to  furnish  his  fellow  citizens 
with  the  means  of  deciding  on  the  merits  of  his  public 
conduct.  No  mode  more  efiectual  presents  itself  of  ob- 
taining a  candid  judgment  than  by  exhibiting  for  public 
investigation  his  correspondence  with  the  department  of 
war,  accompanied  by  such  documents  as  may  illustrate 
the  facts  mentioned  in  his  letters.  No  erasures  have  been 
made  but  of  such  passages  as  relate  to  the  misconduct  of 
individuals.    .  '        , 

The  many  meritorious  officers,  whose  intrepidity  and 
military  talents  solaced  their  commander  in  those  scenes 
of  labour,  danger  and  privation,  would  have  cause  to 
complain  of  being  neglected  in  the  official  reports  to  the 
secretary  at  war,  but  for  the  following  ex[^anation.  On 
every  occasion  where  an  officer  had  distinguished  himself, 
the  circumstance  was  noticed  in  general  orders  issued  to 
the  army,  and  a  memorandum  was  entered  on  a  record 
which  was  intended  to  be  laid  before  the  executive  at  the 
close  of  the  campaign.  After  the  peace,  and  on  the  reduc- 
tion of  the  army,  General  Izard  had  no  opportunity  of 
laying  these  titles  to  the  patronage  of  governiuent  before 
the  competent  authority;-*nor  was  he  consulted  in  the 
selection  of  officers  for  the  peace  establishment.  In  the 
few  instances  where  names  were  particularly  mentioned 
(in  the  correspondence  with  the  secretary  at  war)  it  was 


.*  - 


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done  to  guard  the  rights  of  individuals  who  were  Isntitled 
to  promotion; — because  some  alarming  instances  of  the 
irregular  advancement  of  favourites  had  occurred  in  the 
new  organization  of  the  army  in  1814. 

It  would  be  superfluous  to  apologize  for  any  inaccu- 
racies in  the  composition  of  th^se  letters.  Most  of  them 
were  written  amidst  unavoidable  interruptions.  During 
the  latter  part  of  the  campaign  on  the  Niagara,  the  writer 
was  suffering  from  a  painful  and  debilitating  malady.  This 
was  the  period  seized  upon,  by  nn  infamous  tool  of  dis- 
appointed ambition,  for  inventing  calumnies,  not  only 
unsupported  by  a  shadow  of  truth  or  probability,  and 
contradicted  by  the  tenor  of  a  whole  life,  but  entirely 
irrelevant  to  the  exercise  of  professional  duties.  .     ' 

Philadelphia,  May  30,  1816. 


."^f: 
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OFFICIAL  CORRESPONDENCE 


WITH   THB 


DEPARTMENT  OF  WAR, 

IN  THE  YEARS  1814  AND  1815. 


■"■I 


The  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  George  Izard, 


SIR, 


War  Defiartmenti  18th  j^/iril,  1814. 


■t 


^  Enclosed  is  a  duplicate  copy  of  my  letter -to  you  of  the 
8th  instant,  by  which  authority  is  vested  in  you  to  adjourn 
the  court  to  be  assembled  for  the  trial  of  Major  General 
Wilkinson,  in  the  contingency  only  of  your  not  finding  its 
members  together  on  the  25th  inst.  The  late  occurrences 
on  the  frontier  made  it  proper  that  this  authority  should 
be  enlarged.  You  are  accordingly  instructed  to  postpone 
the  assembling  of  the  court  until  the  end  of  the  campaign, 
if,  in  your  opinion,  its  sitting,  agreeably  to  the  order 
given,  would  produce  inconvenience  or  injury  to  the 
public  interest.  Should  you  decide  on  deferring  the  trial, 
you  will  immediately  proceed  to  the  head  quarters  of  the 
army,  at  or  near  Plattsburg,  and  take  upon  yourself  the 
command  thereof. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 
With  great  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  ARMSTRONG. 

A 


jM 


'li-i-f-^ai-'v  »■; 


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Major  General  Izard  to  the  Hon.  John  Armstrong ^ 
Secretary  at  JVar,  ,  ; 


'  '., 


t  v. 


•I, 


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1: 


m 


SIR, 


JVorthern  Army^  H.  Q.  Plattaburg,  May  7,  18  U. 


The  papers  which  I  forwarded  from  Lake  George  will 
have  informed  you  of  what  took  place  in  regard  to  the 
court  martial  ordered  to  assemble  there.  I  arrived  in  this 
vicinity  on  the  1st  instant,  and  assumed  the  command  of 
the  army  on  the  4th.  Brigadier  General  Macomb  had  been, 
called  to  this  station,  from  the  eastern  side  of  the  lake,  by 
Major  General  Wilkinson  on  his  departure,  and  Brigadier 
General  Smith  was  sent  to  Burlington.  Both  these  officers 
being  desirous  of  resuming  their  former  posts,  I  directed 
them  to  do  so.  Brigadier  General  Smith  has  not  yet  *  j- 
ported  himself  here.  • 

I  have  been  engaged  for  three  days  in  examining  the 
troops,  and  am  sorry  to  say  that  I  am  greatly  disappoint- 
ed, both  in  their  number  and  quality.  With  very  few 
exceptions  (and  those  confined  to  companies)  they  are 
deficient  in  all  the  requisites  of  regular  soldiers.  Their 
clothing  and  equipment  are  in  a  wretched  state,-~their 
pjtoficiency  in  field  manceuvres,  and  even  the  rudiments 
of  exercise,  is  lamentably  small, — and  an  undue  proportion 
of  them  are  on  the  sick  list.  Of  those  who  appear  under 
arms,  a  very  great  number  are  unfit  to  take  the  field,  m 
consf^quence  of  indispositions  contracted  in  the  last  move- 
ment to  the  Lacole.  Whole  battalions  are  composed  of 
year's  men,  who  in  a  few  days  will  be  entitled  to  their 
discharge  from  the  service.  In  short,  I  cannot,  on  this 
side  of  Lake  Champlain,  produce  an  aggregate  force  of 
more  than  two  thousand  effectives,  and  these  raw,  ill- clad 
and  wcM^f  disqiplined. 


'WF 


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The  brigade  in  Vermont  is  not  proportionally  stronger: 
the  last  report  from  Burlington  presents  no  more  than  an 
aggregate  of  six  hundred  men.  There  is  besides,  at  Ver- 
gennes,  a  detachment  of  about  three  hundred;  and  I  un- 
derstand that  four  or  five  hundred  recruits,  under  Colonel 
Dana,  may  soon  be  expected  in  that  quarter. 

The  extent  of  my  command  not  having  been  defined,  I 
have  some  hesitation  in  giving  orders  to  detached  officers. 
The  morning  on  which  I  left  Albany,  I  was  informed  that 
orders,  directly  from  the  war  office,  had  been  received  by 
the  senior  ofiicer  at  Greenbush  to  forward  all  his  recruits 
to  the  westward.  Nothii^g  is  farther  from  my  wishes  than 
to  interfere  with  the  movements  of  any  offi'rer  at  a  distance. 
I  must,  however,  request,  that  limits  may  be  designated 
to  the  district  over  which  I  am  to  have  a  cdntrol-«^till,  of 
course,  reserving  the  right  to  command  in  chief,  should 
circumstances  bring  a  junior  officer  within  the  circle  of 
my  operations. 

In  th(i  mean  time  I  find  it  necessary  to  order  some 
of  the  officers  at  Albany  to  join  their  corps  here.  We 
have  a  detachment  of  more  than  one  hundred  dragoons 
under  charge  of  a  single  subaltern.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Ball  will  be  directed  to  repair  hither,  and  to  order  such 
dragoon  officers  as  he  may  meet  or  hear  of,  not  on  other 
active  duty,  to  join  him.  The  same  measure  will  be 
adopted  respecting  the  light  artillery,  of  which  there  are 
three  companies,  with  only  one  officer  to  each. 

Different  systems  of  instruction  have  been  adopted  by 
the  officers  of  this  division.  As  uniformity  is  indispensable 
in  this  particular,  I  am  about  to  authorize  the  former 
practice,  agreeably  to  Baron  Steuben's  regulations — with- 
out, however,  giving  to  the  latter  the  formality  of  a  general 
order  until  the  first  of  June;  when,  unless  I  receive  in- 


/ 


,'»^'n5'«^t''*«i*;4 


„i...,.— ■   '•x      . 


■  I"  llgl 


:  >■. 


structions  to  the  contrary,  I  shall  adopt  them  as  regula- 
tions for  the  troops  under  my  command.  ^  iv.'M''  'M 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

.  ;•.»■•,  •  .  i-  ■'  Sir, 

-  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

GEO.  IZARD. 


From  the  Same  to  the  Same, 


SIR, 


JVorthem  jtrmyt  H.  Q.  PlaUaburgf  May  9,  1814. 


I  DEEM  it  proper  to  make  you  acquainted  with  the 
state  of  our  supplies  here;  and  enclose  returns  from  the 
quartermaster's  department,  handed  in  this  morning.     >^  > 

The  dragoons  are  without  clothing;  their  arms,  with 
scarcely  an  exception,  unfit  for  use — and  they  have  not 
been  paid  for  many  months.  i.^.i 

The  riflemen  have  had  no  pay  for  considerably  more 
than  a  year.  I  regret  to  say  that  several  desertions  have 
taken  place  from  these  two  corps  since  my  arrival.     . . .,  . 

The  master  of  the  steam-boat  from  Whitehall  reports, 
that  Commodore  Macdonough  will  not  be  ready  so  soon  as 
was  expected. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  &c.  &c.  8cc. 


'<^ 


.--,-.V 


MX 


<^, 


.4^ 


1>.-:  .i^-i 


5! 


,..-^  -,^--;v--'  ,^--.-.:ii.7:*!',v''X-2.: 


w 


r; 


•^Irll' 


The  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izard, 


V  * 


War  Department,  26th  Jjirili  1814. 


If,  under  the  authority  given  by  my  last  letter,  you 
have  not  already  adjourned  the  proposed  court-martial 
(in  the  case  of  Major  General  Wilkinson)  until  further 
orders,  you  will  no  longer  delay  doing  so.  The  early 
movements  of  the  enemy  on  the  lakes  render  it  highly 
imprudent  to  detain  you  longer  from  the  army,  or  to 
draw  from  it  the  witnesses  necessary  to  the  prosecution 
and  defence.  Colonels  King  and  Hamilton  will  return  to 
the  Fifth  District,  and  Brigadier  General  M'Arthur  to 
the  Eighth,  via  Washington. 

lam, sir,  Sec.  Sec.  ;:i^:v     ; 


•'f^'-    i 


''Vt 


The  Same  to  the  Same, 


SIR, 


IVar  Defiartmenti  April  28^A,  1814. 


It  is  to  be  hoped  that  our  flotilla  on  Lake  Champlain 
will  soon  be  in  condition  to  act  with  effect,  and  that  the 
naval  force  of  the  enemy  will  be  confined  to  the  Sorrel. 

In  this  case  you  will  concentrate  all  your  regular  force 
6n  the  west  side  of  the  lake,  and  take  such  position  as 
may  be  best  recommended  by  the  following  considerations. 

1st.  Its  own  physical  strength  and  fitness  to  receive  and 
accommodate  an  army: 

« 

2d.  The  protection  it  will  give  to  your  depots  of  sup- 
plies, and  to  the  country  in  your  rear:  and 

3d.  The  facilities  it  may  offer  of  approaching  and  an- 
noying the  enemy. 


V 


r-' 


'M 


»>>*IT  " 


■;  ^'».a:?«3r-«r*;f  y*- 


^^ 


6 

These  considerations  indicate  the  character  to  be  given 
to  the  campaign  on  Lake  Champiain. 

If  our  force  shall  be  so  augmented  by  enlistments  as 
will  warrant  foi  attack  on  the  enemy's  posts  in  front  of 
Montreal,  it  will  be  made.  Lacole,  forced  or  turned,  and 
a  position  taken  between  the  Isle<aux-noix  and  Montreal, 
he  will  be  compelled  to  hazard  a  battle  in  defence  of  his 
communications*  This  object  in  view,  reinforcements  will 
be  forwarded  to  you  from  all  the  points  from  which  they 
can  be  spared:  but  as  these  will  be  principally  composed 
of  recruits,  the  most  unwearied  attention  must  be  paid  to 
them.  It  is  matter  of  serious  regret  that,  in  our  oldest 
corps,  an  attention  to  police  and  a  knowledge  of  duty  are 
yet  very  deficient.  The  source  of  this  evil  is  principally 
to  be  found  in  the  commanding  generals,  who  do  not  fol- 
low up  their  orders,  by  their  own  personal  observation,  or 
by  that  of  their  staff,  to  their  complete  execution.  I  have 
also  to  complain,  that  the  rules  prescribed  by  this  depart- 
ment, and  which  had  for  their  objects  order  and  economy, 
have  not  been  steadily  or  strictly  observed.  The  President 
looks  to  you  for  a  remedy  oi  these  evils,  and  for  a  correc- 
tion of  all  other  abuses  which  come  under  your  notice. 

I  am,  sir,  Sec. 


■*-• 


\ 


^1 


»3ft    ..^/^ 


Major  General  Ixard  to  the  Secretary  at  War. 

Mrthem  jirmy,  H,  Q.  Plattabvrg,  Mxy  13, 1814. 

U:^       SIR,     ,V,,.  ;.  ,;     .  \.      ,        .         ,„..,..        . 

The  enemy's  flotilla,  consisting  ef  one  brig  of  twenty 
or  twenty-four  guns,  three  sloops  of  from  six  to  eight 
guns,  and  thirteen  gun>boats  and  gallies,  passed  Chazy  on 
the  9th  and  10th  instant  They  remained  the  11th  and  12th 
in  sight  of  this  place,  and  are  this  day  out  of  sight,  having 
proceeded  up  the  lake.  Their  approach  was  announced  by 
express  to  Brigadier  General  Macomb,  at  Burlington, 
early  on  the  10th,  who  forwarded  the  information  to  Cap- 
tain Macdonough  (Navy)  at  Vergennes  and  to  Whitehall. 
They  have  not  landed  on  this  side  of  the  lake,  but  plun- 
dered some  of  the  inhabitants  on  the  Vermont  shore.  They 
may  have  from  twelve  to  fifteen  hundred  men  on  board. 
They  have  a  number  of  small  boats  with  them. 
Our  force  at  Vergennes  consists  of 

.,  ;-^v;«  1  ship  of  26  guns, 

1  schooner  of  20  guns, 

2  sloops  of  8         \ 

6  row- gallies  of  2  C  each. 

4  gun-boats  of  1  ) 
The  mouth  of  Otter  creek  is  defended  by  a  small  bat- 
tery of  seven  twelve  pounders,  on  ship  carriages.  A  fiu'nace 
is  also  built  for  heating  shot. 

Captain  Macdonough  wrote  to  me,  under  date  of  the 
5th  May,  a  letter  which  I  received  only  last  i/tght  from 
Burlington.  He  states  his  equipment  to  be  nearly  all 
arrived;  but  is  short  of  his  complement  of  men  by  two 
hundred  and  fifty.  He  requests  that  number  to  be  fur- 
nished  him  from  among  the  troops.  We  are  ourselves 
very  deficient  in  numbers;  but,  conceiving  it  to  be  of 


*  ■:.   ii: 


■A^       ^  Li-«c  xMt 


8 

material  advantage  to  have  his  force  out,  I  have  instruct- 
ed Brigadier  General  Macomb  to  make  such  an  arrange- 
ment as  may  be  least  inconve  /lent.  Were  it  not  for  the 
mass  of  provisions  which  I  should  be  obliged  to  leave 
exposed  here,  I  would  proceed  to  Rouse's  Point,  in  the 
hope  of  intercepting  the  enemy's  return.  They  are,  how- 
ever, in  force  between  Isle-aux-noix  and  Montreal,  and 
are  daily  receiving  reinforcements  from  below.  The  re- 
ports of  spies  and  deserters  are  doubtless  exaggerated; 
but  they  greatly  outnumber  us  at  the  lowest  estimate. 

On  the  10th  a  detachment  of  exchanged  prisoners, 
amounting  to  three  hundred  men,  of  whom  twelve  are 
seamen,  were  received  by  an  officer  of  my  staff  near 
Champlain.  They  arrived  within  my  cantonment  yester- 
day. No  rolls,  except  of  names,  accompany  them.  Colonel 
Pinkney  is  directed  to  report  on  the  subject  to  the  Adju- 
tant and  Inspector's  office  at  Washington.  The  seamen 
are  now  proceeding  to  the  other  side  of  the  lake,  and  I 
hope  will  reach  Vergennes  to-morrow.  I  have  directed 
the  quartermaster's  department  to  furnish  them  with  pro- 
visions, and  a  boat,  which  they  will  navigate  themselves. 
They  are  wafhed  to  be  on  their  guard.  Sailingmaster 
Trent  is  their  senior  officer. 

Lieutenant  Spenser,  of  the  pay  department,  has  lately 
arrived  here  with  money  for  the  troops,  which  they  are 
now  receiving.  I  shall  rejoice  when  it  is  all  spent;  and 
hope  means  will  be  adopted  to  correct  the  inconvenience 
of  such  distant  payments.  — 

I  send  this  letter  by  express,  on  the  west  side  of  Lake 
Champlain  to  Albany,  under  cover  to  Colonel  Jenkins; 
and,  while  the  enemy  continues  above  us,  shall  establish 
a  line  of  expresses  on  that  route. 

r  '         I  have  the  honour,  &c.  &,c. 


X'u..,^^lift..  . 


t'*- 


, '-,( 


;i.! 


7%e  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izard. 


.*->• 


SIR, 


fVar  £)e/iarltncnt,  6th  May^  1814. 


Your  letter  of  the  27th  ultimo,  enclosing  copies  of 
your  correspondence  with  General  Wilkinson,  has  been 
received.  I  may  hereafter  make  some  remarks  upon  it. 
My  object  at  present  is  principally  to  give  you  some 
information,  received  through  Commodore  Chauncey. 
That  Benedict's  story,  in  extenso,  is  that  of  an  old 
woman,  there  can  be  no  doubt.  Whether  the  senses  of 
a  man,  who  could  believe  such  a  quiz,  are  to  be  trusted 
at  all,  is  the  only  question  at  present. 

If  large  detachments  have  gone  up  the  St.  Lawrence 
(and  he  says  he  has  seen  one  of  this  description)  they  are 
not  from  Europe,  but  from  Montreal.  They  are  of  course 
proportionably  weak  in  this  point,  and  may  be  struck  with 
effect,  if  the  roads  yet  permit  the  travelling  of  cannon  of 
sufficient  calibre  to  batter  down  or  to  burn  their  out- 
wor]^s.  Employ  all  means  to  get  information,  and  act 
aocordingly. 

I  am,  Sec.  &c. 


s 


■"^iW 


■■^'■i-*:'if-^ 


'^iiittL-.    . 


>i^ 


I 

'.V 


10 


"><^/:f  •■^■y',ti^^V&tri»k0'^ 


•*«• 


Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  fVar. 


-Id- 


SIR, 


Head  Quarter$,  Plattaburg,  May  17,  ISU. 


On  the  13th  instant  I  had  the  honour  of  informing ; 
you,  that  the  enemy's  flotilla  had  proceeded  up  the  lalceii 
Early  the  next  morning  a  heavy  firing  was  heard  in  a 
south-east  direction,  for  which  we  were  at  a  loss  to  ac- 
count until  last  afternoon,  when  the  express  I  had  sent  to 
Vermont  returned  with  a  letter  from  Brigadier  General 
Macomb,  enclosing  a  note  to  him  from  Captain  Mac- 
donough.  On  receiving  notice  of  the  enemy's  proceeding 
up  the  lake  on  the  13th,  a  detachment  of  fifty  light  artillery 
men,  under  the  command  of  Captain  Thornton,  of  that 
corps,  was  despatched  in  wagons  from  Burlington  to 
Vergennes,  where  they  arrived  in  time  to  man  the  battery 
at  the  mouth  of  Otter  creek.  At  day-break  the  enemy  at- 
tacked with  his  whole  force;  and,  after  a  severe  cannonade 
of  two  hours'  duration,  during  which  their  gallies  suffered 
very  considerably,  they  withdrew  to  repair  damages. — 
Yesterday  they  repassed  this  place,  having  some  of  their 
vessels  in  tow,  and  are  gone  towards  their  own  posts.  Two 
of  their  gallies  are  said  to  be  missing.  No  damage  was 
done  on  our  side,  except  dismounting  one  gun  in  the 
battery,  by  which  two  men  were  slightly  injured.  I  enclose 
a  copy  of  the  note,  written  by  Captain  Macdonough  to 
Brigadier  General  Macomb. 

I  have  information  that  eighty  new  bateaux,  to  hold 
from  twenty-five  to  thirty  men  each,  are  assembled  below 
Rouse's  Point,  and  that  the  enemy  is  daily  receiving  rein- 
forcements in  that  quarter.  One  battalion  of  the  8th  and 
one  of  the  60th  British  regiments  are  stated^  by  the  ofiicers 


m^ 


#"^# 


'.-t>ji.  ji";.'i  •j-^*'*v^  • .- 


T^- 


V" 


11 

lately  exchanged,  to  have  arrived  at  Chambly  and  St. 
John's.  A  hand-bill  was  published  at  Montreal,  four  days 
ago,  announcing  the  arrival  at  Quebec  of  a  large  number 
of  transports.  When  our  fleet  is  well  out*of  port,  I  shall 
concentrate  my  force  on  this  side  of  the  lake,  and  collect 
the  stores  dispersed  at  several  points. 

It  is  stated  that  the  communication  is  stopped  on  the 
lines  by  the  British  authorities.  This  has  been  the  usual 
precursor  of  their  expeditions. — Not  having  heard  a  word 
from  the  westward,  I  can  only  make  my  arrangements  for 
the  banks  of  this  lake;  and,  if  the  flotilla  were  well  out,  I 
shall  have  very  little  apprehension  in  this  quarter. 
'•■  Among  the  exchanged  prisoners,  who  reported  them- 
selves to  me  yesterday,  were  Captain  Leonard,  of  the  ar- 
tillery, and  Dr.  Chapin,  of  Niagara.  The  former  is  ordered 
to  proceed  to  Washington:  the  latter  I  informed  he  was 
at  liberty  to  go  home,  as  he  wishes  to  do. 

Some  claims  against  the  United  States,  by  inhabitants 
of  the  vicinity  of  French  Mills,  have  been  presented  here. 
I  refused  to  act  on  the  subject;  and  at  the  request  of  the 
agent,  a  Mr.  D.  Jones,  forward  them,  under  cover,  to  the 
Adjutant  and  Inspector. 

I  am,  &c.  &n.        *    - 


V.,*.', 


% 


^.f,„,  a>"^i^Cf'?  ;",'^f*^'^r^:T'  '''-v"  ,'■  ■■«.■■■■'•:"'■•  '%:t 


..:*: 


vr 


ft 


12 
7%e  Secretary  at  TVar  to  Major  General  Izard.  ?t|r;?iT 

IVar  De/iarttncnt,  Wth  May,  IB\4,^ 
SIR, 

You  will  receive  herewith  a  copy  of  laws,  having  rela- 
tion to  the  army,  passed  at  the  last  session  of  Congress, 
and  of  the  new  military  regulations,  which  the  President 
has  approved-^and  which,  in  addition  to  those  already 
published,  it  becomes  your  duty  to  promulgate  and  enforce 
within  your  command.  Those  relating  to  hospitals  ai\0  to 
clothing  call  for  the  most  rigid  observance. 

Brigadier  General  Winder,  having  been  exchanged, 
has  been  assigned  to  the  important  office  of  chief  of  the 
staff,  and,  as  such,  will  report  to  you.     ■  •>  '  •  \ 

I  am,  sir,  &c.  &c.        -i  "^i^ 


From  the  Same  to  the  Same* 


It', 


SIR, 


War  Defiartment,  May  1 1/A,  1814. 


As  in  Other  branches  of  service,  there  are  many  irregu- 
larities  in  the  conduct  of  judge  advocates;  and  particularly 
in  their  not  transmitting  the  proceedings  of  courts  martial, 
within  a  reasonable  time,  to  this  department,  as  matters  of 
record.  The  only  notice  received  here  of  the  proceedings 
in  the  cases  of  B.  P.  Barnet,  Frederick  G.  Gates,  James 
Deane,  James  W.  Lanning,  Amasa  J.  Brown,  Conant, 
Waterman,  Baily,  and  Presbury  West,  is  a  copy  of  the 
general  order  of  the  Slst  of  January  last.  Other  trials  have 
been  had,  as  those  of  Lieutenant  Nickerson  (Slst  regiment) 


■  '•'*'»«««*M-.«iN.,;ii|pp(ii«ft 


v.=^5  ^i 


^-jaW^i;>v„.;'-vj 


=>iT.--.-;.%^^i...- 


13 

and  of  Lieutenants  Merrit  and  SUndiford,  of  which  no 
notice  of  any  kind  has  been  received.  It  is  the  province  of 
Inspectors  General  to  report  judge  advocates  not  perform- 
ing  their  duty  agreeably  to  law. 

You  will  be  pleased  to  issue  the  necessary  orders  on 
this  point,  and  accept  the  assurances  of  my  great  respect. 

JOHN  ARMSTRONG. 


From  Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  War. 


SIR, 


Head  Quartera,  Plattaburgy  May  34,  1814. 


Yesterday's  mail  brought  me  two  letters  from  you, 
dated  the  1  Ith  inst.  The  papers  they  covered  are  referred 
to  the  Inspector  General,  who  will  report  respecting  any 
irregularities  in  the  proceedings  of  courts  martial.  The 
judge  advocate  whom  I  found  here,  Mr.  S.  Lush,  had 
leave  of  absence  two  days  ago  (on  his  repeated  and  ear- 
nest sdicitation)  to  attend  to  private  business  of  the 
greatest  importance  at  Albany. 

Brigadier  General  Winder,  not  being  met  by  the  officer 
who  was  expected  from  Montreal,  returned  hither  yester- 
day. I  communicated  to  him  your  notice  of  his  being  ap- 
pointed chief  of  the  staff. — My  letters,  from  this  place,, 
will  have  informed  you  how  diminutive  the  force  under 
my  command  is.  The  appointment  of  so  large  a  staff 
gives  me  the  comfortable  assurance  that  it  is  intended  to 
add  to  the  number  of  troops  on  this  lake:  they  now  would 
barely  constitute  a  full  brigade,  on  the  footing  of  the  re- 
gulations for  the  army;  and  I  shall  be  somewhat  puzzled, 
when  the  remnant  of  Macomb's  brigade  joins  me  from 


j'^ 


lyjf^' 


LiN. 


•f 


Iter 


k 


"*■••*»»■,■ 


Vermoiu,  now  to  di&|/()»c  of  four  brigatftfrs  and  all  their 
staff '^^ccrs. 

T  directed  the  commanding  officer  in  Vermont  to 
furnisl)  '^'nptain  Macdonough  ^vith  the  number  of  men  he 
required,  ui^  r  tht  assurance  that  n  a  few  days  he 
would,  by  their  assistance,  be  enabled  to  sail.  My  in- 
structions were  either  misunderstood  or  neglected;  and 
on  further  notice  from  the  Commodore,  that  he  was  di- 
rected, by  the  navy  department,  to  apply  for  this  aid,  and 
that  he  could  not  move  without  it,  I  repeated  the  order  to 
supply  the  men  immediately.  It  has  at  last  been  done:  but, 
to  my  surprise  and  mortification,  I  am  informed  from 
Vergennes,  that  another  week  must  elapse  before  the 
fleet  can  put  out.  In  the  meantime  the  intercourse  with 
the  other  side  of  the  lake  is  rendered  dangerous  by  gallies 
of  the  enemy,  which  skulk  behind  the  islands,  and  pre- 
vent the  transportation  of  troops  or  stores;  and  this  morn- 
ing I  have  intelligence,  that  the  enemy's  naval  armament 
is  again  above  Rouse's  Point.  Paralyzi'i  as  I  am  by  this 
unexpected  delay  in  the  advance  of  our  fleet,  I  can  only 
make  preparations  to  guard  the  position  I  occupy— a  po< 
sition  adapted  for  three  times  the  number  of  men  at  my 
disposal;  but  to  which  I  am  tied  by  a  variety  of  conside- 
rations, which  it  is  needless  to  repeat  to  you. 

Of  the  accuracy  of  the  intelligence  transmitted  from 
Ogdensburg,  I  have  no  means  of  judging.  There  is  no 
intercourse  whatever  between  this  point  and  the  St.  Law- 
rence. I  have  endeavoured  to  obtain  c  rect  information 
of  the  enemy's  force  and  movements.  The  men  liither  j 
employed  are,  I  suspect,  as  much  in  the  enemy's  pay  as 
in  ours.  I  fcund  some  of  them  on  the  footing  of  receiving 
monthly  stipe  V;  to  no  inconsiderable  amount.  This  is 
stopped;  and  ih-.  i^uve  .  *otice  that,  in  future,  the  reward 
shall  be  propoit'Oi  ;d  to  the  vah-?  of  the  service  rendered. 


"^  W 


iM:' 


i,.-*^. 


i_W,ii-A<V.«i**l»«i>>  I 


Ml 


Lieutenant  Colonel  Forsyth  has  undertaken  to  ascertain 
what  I  wished  to  know.  I  am  in  hourly  ex iitr Nation  ol  his 
discoveries.  >*'  -•' '    *  '   • 

".'The  report  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Davis,  relative  to  the 
attack  of  the  battery  at  Vergennes,  and  Brigadier  Ma- 
comb's letter,  transmitting  it,  are  herewith  enclosed.  I 
also  send  a  letter  from  Captain  Macdonough  to  the  Briga- 
dier, under  d"**   IPtii,  May. 

In  conFi .^u^t.cc  .<'  Brigadier  General  Winder's  com- 
munication tc  v\Cf  respecting  the  convention  entered  into 
^y  hi  .1,  I  have  thought  it  my  duty  to  alter  the  disposition 
o*  u. ..  «)fficers  and  soldiers  lately  received  as  exchanged 
prisoners  from  Canada.  This,  as  a  matter  of  delicacy,  I 
beg  to  have  specific  instructions  about. 


:;»Vl7' 


I  have  the  honour,  Sec. 


4 


'■■i 


u'  i>  r 


4 


From  the  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izardi 


■'  -I  > 


SIR, 


War  De/iartment,  I4th  May,  1814, 


Enclosed  is  the  distribution  made  of  the  general 
staff,  and  of  regiments  and  corps,  for  District  No.  9. 

If  the  regiments  assigned  to  your  division  can  be  filled 
by  even  the  1st  day  of  August  nexty  the  campaign  maybe 
a  good  one. 

ux  reinforcements  to  the  enemy,  we  hear  only  of  the 
76th  and  16th  regiments  of  infantry  coming  from  England. 

It  is  proposed  to  get  together  at  Buffaloe  about  six 
thousand  effectives,  regular  and  irregular,  pass  them  into 
Canada  by  means  of  the  flotilla  on  lake  Erie,  and  give 
them  Burlington  and  York  as  objects  of  attack.  The  ene- 


\ 


'.^^^^^^' 


■  ':^J,^V^  ' 


■■'*  .     1 


16 


m 


T'i  '^^''' 


my,  to  maintain  these  posts,  must  weaken  himself  below, 
and  expose  either  Kingston  or  Montreal.  If  the  former, 
General  Gaines  will  be  instructed  (with  the  aid  of  the 
fleet)  to  carry  his  attack  against  that  point;  and  if  the  lat- 
ter, you  will  be  in  condition  to  avail  yourself  of  it.  If,  on 
the  other  hand,  the  western  posts  are  left  to  maintain 
themselves,  they  must  fall;  and  the  peninsula  will  be 
added  to  what  we  already  hold  of  Upper  Canada.  This 
result  will  be  assured,  if  Chauncey  should  beat  Yeo.  The 
enemy's  force,  westward  of  Kingston,  .does  not  exceed, 
as  we  are  informed,  two  thousand  men. 

The  privates  of  the  20th  regiment  will  be  transferred 
to  the  12th;  and  the  officers  of  the  former  sent  to  Virginia 
to  recruit 

The  fragments  of  the  22d  and  23d  regiments  will  be 
sent  to  Sackett's  Harbour;  and  all  parts  of  corps  or  regi- 
ments, which  have  been  assigned  to  your  division,  and 
are  now  serving  in  that  of  the  left,  will  have  orders  to 
join  you. 

From  General  Macomb's  account  of  the  militia  at  Ver- 
gennes,  they  ought  to  be  discharged. 

I  am,  sir,  &c.  &,c. 


# 


h 


Si, 


i 


'^^' 


*V. 


'■^al^fen,* 


''via.^- 


v"  .,;.\_     '. 


17 


ENCLOSURE. 


•■■■  ..^       ^  iiHv  •'-•':%^"'l"*  ■■■'V  '.:, 


jyistribuHon  of  the  General  Staffs  of  the  Corps  and  Regi- 
ments of  the  Army  of  the  United  States^  in  the  Ninth 
'    Mi/itart/ District,  for  the  t/ear  1814.      <- ^^  :^  ""'> 


*.-n' 


FIRST,  OR  DIVISION  OF  THE  RIGHT. ;       v 

Major  General George  Izard. 

Brigadier  General  Wm.  H.  Winder,  chief  of  the  staC 

r  Alexander  Macomb. 
Brigadier  Generals   <  Thomas  A.  Smith. 

(  Daniel  Bissell.         ,  - '        '  t  ,' 

Adjutant  General William  Gumming, 

A    •  ..   AJ-.    n<        C  Ebenezer  Beeke.         "  -    '  "  ' 
Assist.  Adits.  Gen.  ^  _,       t,  t 

C  Mann  r.  Lormax.^         :j 

Inspector  General Ninian  Pinkney. 

A     .  .   T        r>         ^  Sylvester  Churchill,        -     * 
Assist.  Insp.  Gen.    ^  ^  _   _, 

C  George  P.  Peters. 

Deputy  Quartermasters  General  J  ^°^"  Bleeker.  v  v » 

C  James  Rees. 
C  John  B.  Hogatl. 
C  Henry  Stanton* 

Engineers Major  J.  G.  Totten.  ; 

Depy.  Gommy.  of  Ordnance..., 

Assist.  Depy.  Gommy.  of  Ordnance.,..  ^ 

Physician  and  Surgeon  General... .Jameis  Tilton. 

C  James  Mann. 

Hospital  Surgeons    j  W.  V.  Wheaton. 

^  (H.  Hunt  and  J.  C.  Bronaugl>. 


Assist.  Dep.  Q.  M.  Gen. 


Mosp'.Si!Tff.  Mates  ^•'^^^P^  ^^'  ^^"'*^^- 

C  Abraham  Vanhoy,  &c. 

Judge  Advocte,     S  ^'f  ^•,^"''"'  ^""l' 

(  Stephen  Lush,  i^sn.. 


&c, 


■f.- 


* 


"t! 


.'If: 


•■»v. 


i-vw. 


'12..  '■r'^'^'^r'T'^i ' 


Mi 


II 


\u 


Regiments  and  Corps, 

1.  The  regiment  of  light  artillery. 

2.  Two  squadrons  of  light  dragoons.    ^^      ■ 

3.  The  4th,  5th,  6th,  10th,  12th,  13th,  14th,  15th,  16th; 
29th,  30th,  3 1st,  33d,  34th,  37th,  45th  infantry,  and 
a  battalion  of  the  1st  rifle  regiment.      +;>  .:  i*^  .^ 


■>?f   » 


■AJ^v. 


:■«■>■ 


M-t 


SECOND,  OR  DIVISION  OF  THE  LEFT.    .  ■ 

Major  General Jacob  Brown. 

r  Edmund  P.  Gaines,  i  ;&^ 
Brigadier  Generals   <  W»  Scott.    ^1 

(E.W.  Ripley.        -  -vf: 

Adjutant  General Charles  K  Gardner. 

Assist.  Adits.  General  \  ^y^     "  ^' 
^    :  ^      i  ^  Robert  G.  Hite. 

Inspector  General.. ......  Josiah  Snelling. 

*     .  ^  T         ^         CAzorOrne.  -     "  -/i- 

Assist.  Insp.  Gen.    -<  ^^   i     •  i  «   n  « 
.  *  C  Nathaniel  B.  Hall. 

T>      *r»      ,.    ^    4,  r>       C  Samuel  Brown. 
Deputy  Quartermast.  Gen.  <  ^    .     . , 

^  Darby  Noon  (acting),      < 
•e     '  C  Major  William  M*Rea. 

Eagmcers    Jj..  D.Wood. 

f  Hosea  Blood. 
Hospital  Surgeons    j  J.  K.  Martin. 

(  E.„W.  Bull,  and  Wm.  Thomas. 


Regiments  and  Corps. 

1.  Two  squadrons  of  light  dragoons. 

2.  Detachment  of  the  corps  of  artillery,  serving  as  such. 

3.  Corps  of  artillery,  serving  as  infantry. 

4.  The  1st,  9th,  11th,  21st,  22d,  23d,  and  25th  rcgi- 
ments  of  infantry^  ' 

5.  Battalion  of  the  1st  regiment  of  riflemen. 


■1 


^^l; 


19 


fB 


From  the  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izard. 


■ik.- 


I 


SIR, 


War  Defiartmentf  May  \6th,  1814. 


You  will  take  measures  to  have  the  public  provisions 
on  lake  Champlain  inspected,  and  the  quantity  ascertained 
to  be  on  hand  on  the  1st  of  June  next.  You  will  cause  re> 
turns  of  the  same  to  be  made  to  this  department,  and  re- 
ceipts given  by  the  store  keepers  to  the  present  contractor 
as  promptly  as  possible.  These  returns  and  receipts  will 
designate  by  whoniy  when  and  where  the  provisions  have 
been  deposited.  You  will  also  direct  the  necessary  arrange- 
ments to  be  made  to  secure  the  regular  issues  from  the 
same,  until  the  new  contractor,  or  other  authorized  agent 
or  agents,  arrive  to  take  possession  of  such  balance  as 
may  remain  on  hand. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 


m 


%■ 


^•* 


From  the  Same  to  the  Same. 


SIR, 


War  Office f  I8th  May,  1814. 


The  guard  having  charge  of  the  British  prisoners  at 
Pittsfield,  have  orders  to  conduct  them  to  the  lines,  in 
exchange  for  our*s  recently  sent  from  Canada.  You  will 
prescribe  the  route  by  which  they  are  to  go;  and  notice  is 
sent  to  deputy  marshal  Melville  to  this  effect. 

I  am,  Sec. 


■■■$^ 


.»■»  *--\}^^^^^^ 


••-^-h 


-■— ~(.«rj.Vy_. 


20 


From  the  Same  to  the  Same. 


• 


■  «■>•■ 


■(* 


If    i 


SIR, 


IVar  De/iartment,  i-Tay  \8t/i,  1814, 


Your  letters  of  the  7th  and  9th  instant  have  been  re- 
oeived.  The  papers  forwarded  by  you  from  lake  George, 
were  lost  in  transmission  to  the  President  from  the  war 
office.  I  must  ask  other  copies  of  them. 

The  report  you  make  of  the  troops  is  painful.  When 
will  our  regimental  officers  learn  their  duty,  and  practice 
it?  Whenever  the  commanding  general  shall  do  his.  Con- 
fidential reports  have  been  provided  by  the  rules.  Colonel 
Atkinson  is  the  only  inspector  of  the  north  w^ho  has  com- 
plied with  them — and  he  in  relation  only  to  General  Hamp- 
ton's division.  Of  clothing,  there  has  been  the  most  de- 
testable abuses.  Among  the  new  rules,  are  some  intended 
to  correct  these  hereafter.  I  know  your  attention  and  firm- 
ness— both  will  be  tried,  and  will  triumph,  in  spite  of 
the  many  deep- laying  causes  of  insubordination. 

All  recruits  belonging  to  regiments  assigned  to  your 
division,  will  be  sent  to  you. 

Money  has  been  forwarded  for  the  re-enlistment  of  the 
men  of  the  29th,  30th,  31st,  33d,  and  34th,  actually  in 
service. — Are  the  officers  attentive  to  their  duty?  Do  the 
men  re -enlist? 

Major  Lee  says,  he  has  not  been  able  to  get  a  muster- 
roll  from  Forsyth.  He  will  have  orders  to  pay  the  cifle- 
jnen,  but  muster-rolls  are  indispensable — and  the  officer 
omitting  to  render  them,  must  be  arrested  and  tried  for 
2ieglect  of  duty.  Orders  will  also  be  given  for  paying  off" 
the  dragoons. — The  senior  officer  present  of  this  corps, 


■m 


■4 


*# 


m.^ 


-M-^. 


1814. 


leen  re- 
ieorge, 
the  war 


When 
practice 
s.  Con- 
Colonel 
as  com- 

Hamp- 
lost  de- 
ntended 
nd  firm- 
spite  of 

to  your 

nt  of  the 

ually  in 

Do  the 

muster- 
the  ciBe- 
le  officer 
tried  for 
laying  off 
lis  corps, 


21 

■A'ill  make  a  requisition  on  the  issuing  commissary  for 
clothing  and  arms.    .  '      ^-      ■,.       -    ."    rr  ' 

Territorial  limits  of  command  are  found  inconvenient. 
The  corps  assigned  to  your  division,  and  all  officers  be- 
longing to  these,  unless  specially  designated  for  other  duty, 
will  form  your  command.  Where  two  or  more  divisions 
unite,  the  senior  officer  will  necessarily  command.  The 
quartermaster  general,  the  apothecary  general,  and  the 
ordnance  department,  at  Albany,  will  obey  your  requi- 
sitions. 

I  am,  sir,  Sec.  &c.  See. 


\  •'■»?*•, 


From  Major  General  Izard,  to  the  Secretary  at  fFar. 


■  ■-,"w*;% 


Head  Quarters,  Plattaburg,  June  l«r,  1814. 


SIR, 


Your  letter  of  the  18th,  was  received  by  the  last  mail. 
I  enclose  copies  of  the  papers  which  I  forwarded  to  you 
from  lake  George.  • 

Captain  Macdonough  made  his  appearance  here  on  the 
529th  May.  We  are  now  engaged  in  bringing  over  from 
Burlington,  the  troops  and  stores  on  that  side  of  the  lake. 
As  soon  as  I  can  equip  a  portion  or  the  force  for  the  field, 
I  shall  advance  a  small  corps  to  occupy  the  ground  in  front 
of  Chazy.  Brigadier  General  Smith  will  command  the 
detachment.  What  shall  we  do  for  horses?  there  are  not 
more  than  sixty  fit  for  service  among  the  dragoons,  about 
forty  in  the  light  artillery,  and  but  six  in  the  Quartermas- 
ter's department. 

The  senior  hospital  surgeon  reported  to  me  yesterday, 
that  a  case  of  small  pox  has  occurred  in  the  cantonment. 


'i 


•  V 


\  1 


V:' 


.  I 


i 


i.^^' 


'  ::»^'- 


f-  \ 


Every  precaution  is  taking  to  prevent  infection — and  there 
not  being  any  kine  pox  matter  in  this  part  of  the  country, 
an  express  has  been  sent  to  Albany  for  the  purpose  of 
procuring  some.  It  is  unfortunate  that  this  was  not  done 
by  the  proper  department  some  weeks  ago. 

In  my  next  I  shall  have  the  honour  of  submitting  to 
you  more  in  detail  the  state  of  things  here,  and  the  result 
of  the  enquiries  directed  to  be  made  in  some  of  your  late 
communications.;  .• 

.'  :  I  am  very  respectfully,  &c.  &c. 


H.  I 


'  ■% 


SIR, 


i'VoOT  the  Same  to  the  Same, 


head  Quart er»i  Plattaburg^  June  2</,  1814. 


A  despatch  for  the  secretary  of  state  accompanied  by  a 
note  to  me,  from  sir  George  Prevnst,,  (in  which  he  re- 
quests that  it  may  be  forwarded  as  expeditiously  as  possi. 
ble,)  was  delivered  at  Chazy  this  forenoon.  I  have  in  con- 
sequence directed  Colonel  Snelling  to  proceed  with  it  to 
the  seat  of  government,  as  he  is  the  only  confidential  officer 
who  can  be  spared  from  this  army  at  present. 

^  I  am,  &c.  &c. 


pfe- 


/■•  .-•■ 


t 


•  •^,~*mmmMi- 


^■^v. 


23 


itting  to 

le  result 

your  late 


mied  by  a 
ich  he  re- 
'  as  possi- 
ive  in  con- 
with  it  to 
tial  officer 


4 


'•     '''•/■■,:/■         ■       *^        fi.       -  t 


From  the  Secretary  at  Wary  to  Major  Gtneral  hard. 


SIR, 


.1' 


War  Department f  May  iilhf  1014, 


I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
letter  ofthe  13th  instant.  *    '   ;  '       '    ^    " 

A  despatch,  from  Captain  Macdonough,  is  published  in 
the  Intelligencer  of  yesterday,  stating  the  repulse  of  the 
enemy's  squadron  at  the  mouth  of  Otter  creek,  and  their 
retreat  up  the  lake.  We  ought  not  to  be  thus  anticipated 
by  naval  reports.  Officers  at  posts  nearer  the  seat  of  go* 
vernment  than  the  head  quarters  of  the  division  or  brigade 
to  which  they  belong,  should  be  instructed  to  report  all 
affairs  with  the  enemy  in  which  they  may  be  engaged,  as 
well  to  the  department  of  war,  as  to  the  commanding 
general. 

In  the  despatch  above  mentioned  (dated  the  14th  in* 
stant)  the  Captain  states,  that  his  whole  force  will  be  at 
the  mouth  of  the  creek  in  four  or  five  days— by  which  I 
understand  that  he  will  then  be  in  condition  to  face  the 
enemy's  flotilla  on  the  lake.  Of  this  contingency  you  will 
not  fail  to  avail  yourself.  Should  the  enemy  be  brought  to 
action  and  beaten  on  the  upper  part  of  the  lake,  you  will 
immediately  seize  Rouse's  point,  and  plant  upon  it  a  heavy 
battery,  which,  with  the;  aid  of  Macdonough,  will  put  you 
at  ease  with  regard  to  your  magazines,  for  the  remninder 
of  the  campaign; — enable  you  to  concentrate  your  force, 
and  (with  the  exception  of  the  men  necessary  to  manage  ~ 
the  battery)  make  the  whole  of  it  disposuble.  If  on  the 
other  hand  (which  is  the  more  probable  conjecture  of  the 
two)  he  withdraws  himself  from  the  open  lake,  and  refuses 


ir . 


i     ^J 


]'     9 


•^M 


>-l.  A-t    'A-ai-VL-    .1. 


n  -^••''wW'?''*'^^*^?*    1 


24 

to  engage  but  in  the  narrow  waters,  and  under  the  protec- 
tion of  his  land  batteries,  the  same  course  should  be  pur-  p 
sued — ^because  the  advantage  resulting  from  it  to  you 
will  be  the  same  as  in  the  former  case.  On  the  supposition 
that  Macdonough  is  beaten,  you  will  be  compelled  to 
adopt  a  plan  merely  defensive.     '  ^^ , ^ » i.-,,^ •,  r,  /;;;.»  * f: 

The  calls  of  the  navy  for  soldiers,  as  substitutes  for 
marines  or  seamen,  or  for  the  protection  of  ships  build- 
ing, or  built  and  laid  up  to  avoid  the  enemy,  are  becoming 
frequent  and  producing  a  very  considerable  diversion  from 
our  field  strength;  and  if  yielded  to,  without  the  most  dis- 
tinct understanding,  that  the  supply  is  temporary  and  wilt 
be  withdrawn  whenever  wanted  for  military  purposes,  will 
extinguish  all  effort  on  the  part  of  that  department  to  fur- 
nish itself.  We  have  now  one  regiment  and  a  detachment 
of  artillery  guarding  the  United  States  and  Macedonian, 
at  New  London;  the  fleet  on  lake  Erie  wants  men  (I  be- 
lieve two  hundred  and  fifty  or  three  hundred.)  Chauncey 
wants  a  company  for  artillerists — and  HulPs  74,  at  Ports* 
mouth,  may  be  attacked  by  the  enemy,  and  iiust  therefore 
be  defended.  Be  explicit  therefore  with  Captain  Macdo- 
nough, otherwise  he  will  expect  from  you  this  campaign 
as  much,  if  not  more  aid,  than  he  had  the  last  from  Ge- 
neral Hampton,  -v-/ -   •    '  .V'^  ^". :  ^^'-^  V^ '•  '■^^^':^-:y^^^ ; n^'^r ' ' 

The  recruits  belonging  to  the  regiments  assigned  to 
your  division,  will  be  ordered  on  to  join  you  without  de- 
lay. ^V,  Vf 

Enclosed  are  two  lists  of  exchanged  prisoners,  which 
indicate  the  regiments  to  which  they  respectively  belong. 
We  shall  furnish  such  other  facts  in  relation  to  them  as 
the  muster  and  inspection  rolls  will  afford.  The  men  be- 
longing to  regiments  serving  with  Major  General  Brown, 
or  in  the  eighth  military  district,  will  be  sent  on  to  Utica, 
to  await  further  orders.  This  grows  out  of  a  rule,  which 


%■ 


Ul 


f 


J,o 


'"''^rmmf^-f^WMmmumMk  • 


25 


^ 


Iri 


f 


■  i^:* 


m^. 


r  1 


must  be  most  punctually  observed,  that  regiments  are  not 

^        hereafter  to  be  split  up  into  detachments  serving  remotely 

from  each  other. — The  non-observance  of  this  rule  has 

.  been  a  fruitful  source  of  mischief  to  the  armv.  '« '^ : 

f»  You  will  perceive,  by  a  General  Order,  communicated 
through  the  Adjutant  General,  attached  to  the  war  depart- 
ment, that  the  practice  of  duelling,  no  where  tolerated  at 
the  opening  or  during  the  progpress  of  a  campaign,  has  be- 
oome  so  prevalent  in  our  army,  (as  well  in  the  presence 
of  the  enemy,  as  in  the  face  of  the  law,)  as  to  have  drawn 
upon  it  the  most  marked  disapprobation  of  the  executive 
department.  Two  young  men  at  this  place  have  been 
killed  within  a  very  short  period;  and  if  a  late  duel,  fought 
near  your  head  quarters,  has  not  been  personally  so  dis- 
astrous, its  effects  on  the  public  service  have  been  much 
more  so,  as  it  has  deprived  us  of  a  most  useful  officer  as- 
signed to  the  command  of  a  regiment  very  much  requiring 
his  immediate  attention;  and  eventually  can  hardly  fail  to 

,  put  an  end  to  the  public  services  of  all  the  parties  con- 
cerned. On  the  receipt  of  this  letter  you  will  cause  to  be 

.  arrested  the  principals  and  seconds,  report  their  names  and 
the  names  of  persons  having  knowledge  of  the  fact,  to  this 
department,  and  order  the  whole  to  Greenbush,  where  a 
court  martial  shall  be  promptly  instituted.  If  Colonel  At* 
kinson's  wound  be  such  as  prevents  him  from  travelling) 
he  may  remain  where  he  is,  until  he  can  be  removed  with- 
out hazard. 

As  your  troops  have  recently  been  paid,  let  me  know 
exactly  the  number  receiving  pay,  and  the  amount  actu- 
ally paid  to  each.  Our  army  is  very  great  in  the  estimat^^ 
noted  by  payments,  and  very  small  in  the  liejd.  #^i  ■ 


.^.- 


1 :  /•' 


I  am,  sir,  &c.  Sec. 


iSff-.r'.f,-' 


...    i.*''      « 


n 


'f^i 


-"►v-"* 


^' 


V 


^ 


26 


.  ,■.■..  ,^m  . 

From  Major  General  Izard,  to  the  Secretary  at  fTafiL 


k' 


M'^' 


Jffead  Quarter»,  J'une  tO/*,  ltt4^ 


SIR, 


It  was  some  days  after  the  arrival  of  Captain  Macdo- 
nough*8  force,  before  a  sufficient  number  of  transports 
could  be  found  to  bring  over  the  troops  and  stores  from 
Burlington.  The  former  have  all  arrived,  some  of  the  lat- 
ter are  yet  to  come.  My  intention  has  been  to  have  in  fu- 
ture on  this  station,  as  an  intermediate  depot,  only  two 
months  supply  at  one  time  for  the  whole  active  force  on 
this  side  of  the  lake,  to  be  replenished  monthly  from 
Whitehall,  where  our  magazines  and  stores  may  be  ac- 
cumulated. The  latter  is  a  place  easily  secured.  By  vtiaX. 
troops  this  shall  be  done,  and  whether  or  not  to  consider 
it  as  a  dependency  of  this  army,  are  questions  which  I 
beg  leave  to  submit  for  your  determination. 

At  Burlington  there  remains  only  the  hosj^ltfll,  wliicli 
is  on  an  excellent  establishment.  The  convalescents  are 
deemed  sufficient  for  such  military  duties  as  are  necessary. 
The  number  left  there,  including  nurses,  &c.  is  two  hun- 
dred. 

I  have  endeavoured  to  ascertain  what  number  of  year's 
men  have  re-enlisted,  but  can  obtain  no  correct  reports  on 
the  subject.  This  is  the  effect,  not  merely  of  ignorance 
and  negligence  on  the  part  of  the  officers,  but  also  of  the 
irregularity  with  which  the  recruiting  service  has  been 
carried  on  in  th^s  quarter.  Many  of  the  men  re-enlisting; 
preferred  changing  their  regiments,  and  in  the  repeated 
modifications  in  the  formation  of  the  c(»ps,  consolidations, 


? 


.* 


57 


transfers,  Sec.  &c.  the  company  and  regimental  books 
have  in  most  instances  been  kept  in  a  confused  manner. 
'V^  The  circumstance  of  taking  soldiers  from  our  ranks  to 
man  the  navy,  is  in  every  aspect  a  very  unpleasant  one.  It 
is  not  only  unjust  to  the  individuals,  but  mortifying  to  their 
officers.  But  what  is  to  be  done? — In  a  late  instance  the 
naval  force  could  not  have  moved  without  adopting  this 
measure;  and  had  it  lingered  in  Otter  creek  one  week  lon- 
ger, we  should  have  been  out  of  bread  at  this  place.  I  have 
remonstrated  freely  on  the  subject  with  the  commander 
of  the  fleet,  and  read  to  him  the  passage  of  your  letter  res- 
pecting it.  He  assured  me  that  he  had  repieatedly  urged 
this  matter  to  his  department,  and  would  do  so  again.  In 
the  mean  time  I  have  endeavoured  to  render  the  service 
less  disagreeable  to  all  concerned,  by  substituting  volun- 
teers for  the  companies  originally  placed  on  board,  and 
have  succeeded  in  a  great  measure.  This  however  has 
also  its  attendant  inconveniences,  as  some  officers,  whose 
principal  importance  in  the  army  consists  in  the  talent  of 
being  dissatisfied  with  every  thing,  have  discouraged  their 
men  from  coming  forward. 


4<  '^VsCN-i 


I  have  no  other  mode  of  determining  the  amount  of 
money  paid  to  the  troops,  than  by  reference  to  the  pay- 
rolls; these  are  of  course  in  the  pay-office  ut  Washington. 

Mr.  Irving,  an  assistant  commissary  of  {Airchases,  ar- 
rived here  a  few  days  ago.  The  issues  commenced  only 
yesterday.  Some  of  the  men  were  literally  naked.  The 
clothing  is  of  a  very  bad  quality*— so  bad  indeed,  that  the 
commanding  officers  of  regiments  would  be  justified  in 
refusing  it,  if  their  men  were  not  in  this  pitiful  condi-  • 
tion.  There  have  no  uniforms  arrived  for  the  riflemen; 
they  object  to  receiving  the  infantry  dress.  I  can  devij>e 
no  remedy.  " 


If 

\ 


•..^.| 


(i- 


■  i 


I •'  if 


W^^' 


i-Rm 


I.V-- 


r-.o-*'-" 


tit  .'v'f<'"ji.  -  vs*1^ 


(■ 


28 

The  quantity  of  stores  arrived  and  arriving  much  exceeds 
my  expectation  and  wish.    I  shall  probably  be  under  the 
necessity  of  sending  some  of  them  up  the  lake. 
a  The  prisoners  from  Pittsfield  mentioned  in  one  of  your 
letters  of  the  18th  May,  have  not  been  heard  of.  #,  U 

^i  In  conformity  to  your  instructions  the  detachments  of 
the  22dt  and  2Sd,  regiments  are  preparing  to  proceed  to 
Utica;  they  will  leave  this  place  on  the  14th  instant  for 
Whitehall.  Their  number  is  between  three  and  four  hun- 
dred men.  Major  Brooke,  of  the  23d,  has  charge  of  them. 
Major  Arrowsmith  is  not  here.  This  is  no  inconsiderable 
reduction  in  so  small  an  army. 

I  have  formed  a  light  brigade,  of  which  I  have  given 
the  command  to  Brigadier  General  Smith.  It  consists  of 
the  4th,  and  10th  regiments  consolidated.  Colonel  Purdy; 
the  12th,  Major  Morgan;  the  riflemen  now  at  Chazy,  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Forsyth;  and  one  company  of  light  artille* 
ry.  Captain  Branch.  The  whole  nearly  one  thousand  three 
hundred  men.  They  have  been  encamped  some  days  at 
Dead  creek,  where  their  preparations  have  been  making 
with  all  practicable  expedition.  I  indulge  th6  hope  that 
they  may  march  to  Chazy  in  the  course  of  to-morrow. 
The  flotilla  will  cover  the  boats  containing  their  camp 
equipage,  which  will  precede  them  to  that  place,  and  Cap- 
tain Macdonough  will  go  on  to  examine  the  enemy's  fleet, 
now  at  anchor  near  Rouse's  Point.  ^.^~v, 

It  is  with  great  exertion  that  we  have  been  able  to 
equip  this  little  force.  As  soon  as  I  can  get  the  rest  of  the 
infantry  ready,  I  shall  join  them.  Brigadier  Smith  will 
take  a  strong  position  at  Champlain;  and  I  am  not  without 
expectation  that  we  shall  succeed  in  carrying  some  of  their 
detached  posts.  At  all  events,  we  shall  be  enabled  to  com- 
pute more  accurately  their  force  between  the  St.  Law- 


AV. 


-■*  *r , 


.•j«(i-  ,«'«*;*-*«»«•»  .f 


rw,-' 


39 

I'ence  and  Richelieu,  and  will  govern  ourselves  accord" 
ingly.  v*^.. 

My  artillery  consists  only  of  light  pieces.  I  have,  in  all, 
but  six  medium  eighteen  pounders  on  travelling  carriages; 
a  heavy  battery  cannot  therefore  be  mounted,  as  you  sug- 
gest, at  any  point  below  this.  The  enemy's  attention  has 
been  for  some  weeks  attracted  by  Touse's;  he  expects  us 
there:  as  yet  we  have  the  command  of  the  lake,  and  its 
occupation  is  not  essential  so  long  as  that  is  the  case.  But 
if  the  information,  received  within  the  last  twenty>four 
hours,  of  gallics  being  transported  from  Chambly  to  St. 
John's,  and  of  considerable  preparations  being  in  forward- 
ness at  the  Isle-aux-noix,  be  confirmed,  something  must 
be  risked  in  order  to  seize  that  or  some  other  command- 
ing position.  i "  .5?v^^j§*«^i: '  »,;  rti^f«#/-v^,i*|^- 
;«^  The  funds  in  the  Quartermaster  General's  hands  are 
very  low.  He  informs  me  that  he  is  this  day  reduced  to 
less  than  one  thousand  dollars.  The  deputy  paymaster 
placed  with  him  ten  thousand  dollars,  a  few  weeks  ago, 
for  bounties  and  premiums,  subject  to  my  order:  of  this 
sum  only  about  two  thousand  has  been  drawn.  There  re- 
sults- always  much  difficulty,  in  the  settlement  of  ac- 
counts at  the  war  office,  from  taking  of  an  *  appropriated 
fund  for  another  service;  it  may  however  become  neces- 
sary to  do  so  in  the  present  instance.  Brigadier  General 
Gaines  gave  me  notice,  by  a  letter  dated  the  8th  of  May, 
of  the  handsome  affiiir  at  Sandy  creek.  T  bis,  with  the  de- 
feat of  the  enemy  in  their  late  incursion  upon  lake  Cham- 
plain,  and  the  gallant  defence  at  Oswego,  has  had  the  ef- 
feet  of  inspiriting  our  men,  who  will,  I  doubt  not,  deserve 
praise  whenever  an  opportunity  shall  present  itself.  ^ 
^1*4.  ,^^??^ieif^'%   I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir,  &c.  &c.  . 

P.  S.  I  enclose  an  abstract,  just  handed  in,  for  your  in- 


^ 


X 


H' 


): 


'■to''.  ■'^{j^.K. 


'tli.'    yr 


M» 


30 

formation.  Deduct  three  hundred  and  thirty-two  for 
Brooke's  command,  and  of  the  remainder  (although  re- 
ported for  duty)  not  less  than  one  fifth,  who  would  be  left 
on  the  road  after  two  days  march.  Total  effective  force 
three  thousand  men. 


ft    .  7  •    . 


\>-  '■-  TS^fV  '■-■'  V;«5^Vs'  :i/-'^ 


^ 


^tK 


The  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izard, 


f^iv-i' 


War  pepartmentt  StAJune,  1814. 


•V      SIR,  ':M^- :%'^'--'':^- . 

The  coni^ition  in  which  you  found  your  troops,  as  to 
numbers  and  discipline,  as  stated  in  your  letters  of  the 

and ,  is  indeed  provoking.  With  regard  to  the 

former,  you  will  soon  have  less  reason  for  complaint. 
Your  aggregate  is  even  now  respectable.  But  why  so 
great  a  difference  between  that  and  your  effective  force, 
present  and  fit  for  duty?  This  is  nearly  or  altogether  one 
third,  and  exists  no  where  but  in  District  No.  9.  An 
order  on  this  subject  was  issued  this  day,  which  will  be 
communicated  to  you  from  the  Adjutant  and  Inspector 
General's  office.  The  recruits  of  the  regiments  assigned  to 
your  division  are  under  marching  orders,  and  will  amount 
to  upwards  of  four  thousand  men.  The  37th  infantry,  re. 
tained  at  New  London,  to  guard  the  frigates  laid  up  there, 
does  not  enter  into  this  calculation.  Another  call  is  making 
for  the  protection  of  a  seventy-four  gun  ship,  building  at 
Portsmouth.  Between  drafts  to  protect  vessels  in  such 
situations,  and  doing  nothing— and  calls  for  assistance  to 
man  others  preparing  for  service,  we  shall  be  considerably 
weakened.  Mr.  Secretary  Jones  assures  me,  however,  that 
men  are  going  on  to  Macdonough,  and  that  he  will  not 
long  require  the  aid  of  yours. 


mki 


^  :\ 


.i'.k 


,  :ik.^0U^w  ^'  ■ 


■.iSif-'' 


/ 


.;■   \ 


v?f. 


31 

The  other  subject,  the  want  of  discipline^  is  one  oi> 
which  we  neither  can  nor  ought  to  speak  temperately — 
because  it  is  the  consequence  of  a  most  unpardonable 
neglect  in  your  predecessor,  and  the  officers  of  his  general 
staff.  Was  it  not  the  duty  of  these  to  have  known  and  re- 
ported to  this  department  the  fact  and  its  causes?  These 
existed  somewhere — with  platoon,  field,  or  general  offi- 
cers. In  the  particular  instance,  given  by  you,  of  the 
condition  of  the  dragoons,  the  light  artillery,  and  the  rifle 
battalions,  the  fault  is  properly  with  the  commanding 
general  and  his  inspector.  The  former  furloughed  the 
officers,  and,  in  their  absence,  the  men  were  neglected. 
But  why,  in  this  case,  was  the  inspector  silent?  Why  did 
he  not  do  his  duty?  Why  not  report  the  state  of  discip- 
line, arms  and  clothing,  and  whether  the  men  were  or 
were  not  regularly  paid?  Why  is  he  himself  paid,  but  to- 
do  this?  How  can  abuses  be  corrected,  but  by  being 
known?  The  paymaster  is  prepared  to  show  that  the  fault 
is  not  his.   Money  was  given  to  an  officer  of  dragoons, , 
acting  as  paymaster,  to  pay  off  both  regiments;  and  with 
regard  to  the  riflemen,  no  roll,  on  which  they  could  be 
legally  paid,  was  tendered.   These  facts  could  not  but  be 
known  to  the  Inspector  General.  The  last  was  matter  of 
common  conversation  in  camp. 

These  facts  present  a  state  of  things  truly  degrading 
and  reproachful.  Without  discipline,  order  and  economy^ 
an  army  is  a  nuisance.  The  foundation  of  these  is  obedi- 
ence. This  must  be  exacted  from  the  highest  as  well  as 
the  lowest.  It  must  go  throughout,  or  it  will  not  exist  at 
all.  For  creating  and  maintaining  it,  you  will  have  the  full 
and  unqualified  support  of  this  department. 

Accept,  sir,  the  assurance  of  my  great  respect 


.■I 
t 

.  I 


:f^ 


■;u-;»,f>. 


„.rf^e--tJr:-'"*»' '  *  '••  ■ 


*■  .^.'^•":  iiiii.^fcxi*^  -'""  ''■*  •  *^'frT  i/-" 


:^-. 


4:. 


) ' 


iLi.tS^';.fir;"V* -i>i*f^-« 


32 


....,t:.i,,, 


tl^:^J 


P.  S.  The  following  is  the  order  alluded  to  in  tlie  preceding  letter. 


[CIRCUI.AR.3 


: !•.»«)#-. ,^:.  . 


"^'^   GENERAL  ORDER.    ^"^ 


7i:S 


Mutant  £s?  Inspector  General's  Office,  '*^'*'' 

V  Washington,  ith  June,  1814. 

General  Izard  will  despatch  an  officer,  qualified  in  all 
respects  for  the  duty,  to  look  up  and  assemble  the  ab- 
sentees of  every  regiment  or  corps,  assigned  to  his  divi- 
sion, and  now  serving  on  lake  Champlain.  If,  of  these, 
any  are  unfit  for  service,  let  them  be  left  at  the  place  of 
rendezvous,  and  reported  to  this  office.  All  others  will  be 
marched  to  their  regiments  respectively,  and  without  de- 
lay. This  order  includes  servants  to  officers,  of  whatever 
grade,  who  are  soldiers  in  the  line.  ,.^^,j^ii^i^K,^a  , 


,  _.^    ,  ..     .       ,.  ... 


'  kV^.^i  •¥/ji"a''i  ■-'^ii::irf 


•^t::bi^f  ■••"■<■* '''H 


.   1  he  Same  to  the  Same.  .  >  /fi^ 

''  War  Department,  10//*  J^ne^  1814. 

■•■■.:..:    S|IR|      'f!''--'    '-^.j^-hV'"    ■•     '>■'    •  '■■■'^?"^f;r"'''-'-^*':i"<^'^i$Mi'-f.f-' 

A  LIST  of  the  prisoners,  receipted  for  by  Colonel 
Pinkney,  was  transmitted  to  this  department  by  the 
Commissary  General  of  prisoners,  a  few  days  ago,  with 
the  following  remarks:  "  These  men  are  not  yet  exchange 
ed*  So  soon  as  we  learn  that  corresponding  numbers, 
now  sending  by  us  to  Canada,  have  arrived,  I  shall  niake 
use  of  all  the  exertions  in  my  power  to  effect  the  requisite 
exchanges,  regulars  against  regulars,  militia  against  mill- 
tia,  as  far  as  practicable." 


^1 


m^ 


^%(itf 


..^Si 


.«';*,« -^-f^JlriWPl!- 


# 


'■M*|f'^.> 


*'  vU>;:-  • 


.        33 

It  will  be  proper  for  you  to  inform  Sir  G.  Prevost, 
that  the  men  returned  to  us  are  not  on  military  duty,  and 
will  not  be  put  on  such  duty  till  regularly  exchanged;  and 
that  it  is  expected  diat  a  measure  corresponding  with  this 
will  be  taken,  on  his  part,  in  relation  to  the  prisoners  sent 
back  to  Canada  by  us. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  &c. 


The  Same  to  the  Same, 


4^^' 


SIR, 


(Confidential.)         War  Dejiartment^  1  \th  JmCf  l^U. 


I  AVAIL  myself  of  the  return  of  Colonel  Snelling)  to 
communicate  to  you  the  general  objects  and  outline  of  the 
present  campaign. 

1.  Captain  Sinclair  will  repair  to  Detroit  with  a  part  of 
the  fleet  under  his  command.  He  will  there  embark 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Croghan  and  as  large  a  number  of 
troops,  with  the  necessary  supplies  of  ammunition  and 
provisions,  as  his  vessels  will  accommodate.  He  will  then 
enter  lake  Huron,  and  proceed  to  Gloucester  Qay,  where 
the  troops  will  debark,  attack  and  carry  the  enemy's  new 
estabUshment  at  Motshedash — fortify  and  garrison  that 
place,  and  open,  with  General  Brown,  a  communication, 
if  another  part  of  the  plan,  to  be  next  detailed,  shall  suc- 
ceed. This  effected,  the  fleet  will  go  on  to  the  mouth  of 
St.  Jos'^.ph's  and  19  Mackinaw,  &c. 

2.  What  remains  of  the  fleet  at  Buffalo  will  be  put 
under  orders  to  transport  General  Brown's  division  to  the 
Canada  shore.  The  place  of  landing  will  be  selected  in 
the  discretion  of  the  general,  and  under  the  best  informa- 

B 


■■■* 


7^» — ,( 


fW 


w 


,» 


m 


"34 

tion  of  which  he  may  be  possessed.  Burlington  heights 
wiU  be  his  first  object.  These  he  will  fortify;  and,  so  soon 
as  Commodore  Chauncey  shall  be  in  condition  to  co-ope- 
rate with  him  (say  the  15th  of  July)  proceed  to  attack  the 
enemy's  posts  on  the  peninsula  in  succession,  &c. 

3.  A  number  of  armed  gallies  (such  as  those  employed 
on  lake  Champlain),  will  be  immediately  constructed  at 
Sackett's  Harbour,  and  (while  we  have  the  ascendency 
on  lake  Ontario)  pushed  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  with 
orders  to  occupy  the  rapids  of  that  river,  and  thus  inter- 
cept the  water  communication  between  Montreal  and 
Kingston.  The  better  to  effect  this  object,  a  post  will  bt 
established  on  the  south  bank  of  the  St.  Lawrence, 
strongly  fortified,  garrisoned  by  a  competent  force  (say 
fifteen  hundred  men)  and  sustained  by  the  first  or  division 
of  the  right.  The  moment  for  beginning  this  establish- 
ment will  be  that  which  assures  to  us  the  command  of 
lake  Ontario.  An  engineer  will  be  employed  by  the  war 
department  to  select  the  site:  and 

4.  A  post  on  lake  Champlain,  adapted  to  the  purpose 
of  co-operatihg  with  and  covering  our  fleet  on  that  lake, 
and  of  excluding  the  enemy's  flotilla  therefrom,  will  be 
immediately  selected,  established  and  garrisoned.  This 
post  you  will  select. 

I  am,  sir,  with  very  great  respect,  &c. 


>l?5 


'•mn^f^^ 


">->:: 


■*- 


35 


From  Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  War, 


SIR, 


Head  Quartertt  Plattaburgy  June  35,  1814. 


Colonel  Snelling  delivered  to  me  your  letters  of  the 
10th  and  11th  of  June  on  the  22d,  and  the  mail  of  yester- 
day brought  me  yours  of  the  5th  of  June,  with  a  copy  of 
a  (circular)  general  order,  dated  the  4th,  relative  to  des- 
patching an  officer  to  assemble  the  troops  assigned  to  my 
division,  &c.  The  post-mark  of  the  latter  is  of  the  13th 
instant,  Washington.  There  must  have  been  some  neglect 
in  forwarding  it.  .:^, 

The  plan  of  the  campaign,  as  detailed  in  your  despatch 
of  the  11th,  is  before  me.  That  part  of  it,  which  relates  to 
lake  Champlain,  was  in  part  anticipated.  I  had  commenced 
raising  works  for  the  security  of  the  fleet,  about  which 
Captain  Macdonougl^had  expressed  some  uneasiness.  A 
battery  of  four  eighteen  pounders  is  thrown  up  on  Cum- 
berland Head;  and  other  field  works  will  be  prepared  in  a 
few  days,  at  such  points  as  shall  appear  most  advantage- 
ously situated  for  the  purpose.  You  will  have  noticed,  in 
a  former  communication,  that  I  have,  in  all,  but  six  pieces 
of  that  calibre,  which  are  of  the  medium  size,  on  field 
carriages.  Some  weeks  ago  I  wrote  to  Major  Bomford  to 
send  me  some  twenty-four  pounders.  Two  of  these  are, 
he  informs  me,  on  their  way;  the  remainder  of  what  I 
asked  for  (ten  twenty-four  pounders)  are  to  come  from 
New  York,  or  Philadelphia,  or  Washington.  No  addition 
has  been  made  to  my  stock  of  horses,  besides  the  few 
which  have  lately  arrived  from  Burlington,  belonging  to 
the  light  artillery  and  quartermaster's  department  there.  I 
have,  therefore,  availed  myself  of  water  'transportation  for 
the  detachments  in  advance  of  this  position. 


\ 


•f 


^    I 


,'■,10!^.,^^^. 


?'  ff"^  - 


-"V'^-r 


Brigadier  General  Smith  is  at  Champlain,  occupying 
that  village,  and  the  ground  between  it  and  the  Canadian 
linr,  with  fourteen  hundred  men.  Colonel  Pearce,  t>f  the 
16th,  with  the  consolidations  of  the  15th  and  16th,  and  of 
the  6th  and  13th,  at  Chazy;  the  latter  about  eight  hundred 
effectives.  The  rest  of  my  force,  consisting  of  about 
twelve  hundred  effectives,  occupies  Cumberland  Head, 
Dead  Creek,  and  the  cantonment  between  the  lake  and 
the  Saranac.  The  troops  are  new  clothed,— ^but  badly  so,- 
irom  the  quality  and  make  of  the  clotliing.  I  daily  expect 
detachments,  which  are  reported  on  the  road  from  the 
eastward  and  southward;  they  are  said  to  amount  to  about 
one  thousand  men.  When  they  arrive,  I  shall  break  up 
this  cjgitonment,  leaving  a  garrison  of  invalids  at  Piatt's 
Point  and  Cumberland  H&ad,  and  take  the  field  near  the 
Canadian  linei.  ^      ' 

Brigadier  General  Smith  reports  the  enemy  to  be  five 
thousand  five  hundred  strong  near  Lacole.  This  is  con- 
firmed by  spies  and  deserters,  malting  due  allowance  for 
exaggeration  by  tlie  latter.  The  folld^vingis  the  Brigadier's 
report.  . 

British  Force  at  Lacole, 
J3th  regiment  -  -  900 

16th        .  .  -  .     1000 

49th  -  -  -  500 

100th       -  -  .  -        800     . 

Marines        ....    400 
Voltigeurs  (at  the  bndge)  -  650 

^.leuron's  regiment  (at  Lacadie)  1000 

Cavalry  at  Chambly        -  -         300 


Total      5550 

The  last  deserte»'s  add  to  tiie  above,  two  brigades  of 
artillery,  of  fifteen  pieces  each,  at  Chambly. 


,  i^&iiv^i;. 


37 

A  few  evenings  ago,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Foriyth,  ni^th 
a  party  of  seventy  riflemen,  was  attacked  in  Odeltown  by 
two  hundred  of  the  enemy's  light  troops.  Tb  ;  latter  were 
beaten  off  with  the  loss  of  several  of  their  men.  We  lost 
one  rifleman,  killed,  and  five  wounded. 

Last  night  a  small  picket,  commanded  by  a  lieutenant, 
was  surprised  in  consequence  of  the  carelcHncM  of  a 
sentinel  by  a  detachment  of  Voltigeurs  of  twice  their 
number.  The  picket  had  established  itself  in  a  blacksmith's 
shop; — they  were  surrounded; — but  charged  through  the 
enemy,  and  escaped  without  loss.  One  of  the  latter  was 
found  dead  on  the  ground  by  the  supporting  party  from 
Champiain,—- the  others  had  fled. 

£very  thing  in  the  proceeding  of  the  enemy  kads  me 
to  expect  a  serious  attack.  I  shall  endeavour  to  draw  him 
to  this  side  of  the  Great  Chazy  river,  and  then  g^ve  him 
battle.  He  will  outnumber  us;  but  I  hope  for  a  successful 
termination.  On&  half  of  the  idlers  belonging  to  regiments 
assigned  to  my  division  would  enable  me  to  face  him 
without  a  doubt  of  the  event.  I  now  must  trust  to  fortune, 
while  I  cannot  dissemble  my  surprise  at  the  tardiness  of 
every  preparation  for  the  due  equipment  of  the  force  under 
my  command. 

The  flotilla,  under  Captain  Macdonough,  returned  this 
forenoon  from  the  lines,  and  is  now  anchored  north  of 
Cumberland  Head.  I  had  no  notice  of  the  movement,  and 
am  unacquainted  with  its  cause. 

Colonel  Snelling,  whom  I  despatched  with  a  flag  as 
bearer  of  a  letter,  wi^h  which  he  was  entrusted  by  the 
secretary  of  state,  was  directed  to  be  urgent  to  deliver  it 
in  person  to  Sir  George  Prevost.  He  penetrated  some 
miles  into  Canada,  but  was  at  last  positively  refused  per> 
mission  to  go  further.  His  observations  confirm  the  other 
reports  I  have  detailed.  The  roads,  lately  obstructed, 
have  been  cleared  of  their  obstacles. 


i 


:fp. 


38 

Colonel  Gumming,  my  Adjutant  General,  has  this 
evening  returned  from  my  advance.  He  reports  the  arri- 
val  at  Montreal  of  two  thousand  regulars  more.  Whether 
intended  for  us  or  not  is  of  course  uncertain.  Threats  are 
uttered  of  retaliation  for  the  proceeding  at  Long  Point.  If 
this  take  place,  though  humanity  groan  for  the  resolution, 
I  shall  try  to  make  such  a  return  of  their  barbarity  as 
shall  set  it  at  rest,  in  this  part  of  the  frontier  at  least. 

In  your  letter  of  the  5th  of  June,  which,  as  I  before 
observed,  was  only  received  yesterday,  are  several  ques- 
tions respecting  the  causes  of  the  inefficiency,  both  in 
numbers  and  discipline,  of  this  portion  of  the  forces.  The 
division  commanded  by  Major  General  Hampton  last  au- 
tumn,  of  which  the  remnant  is  now  here,  was  principally 
composed  of  year's- men.  The  29th,  30th,  31st,  33d,  34th 
regiments,  and  Colonel  M'Cobb's  volunteers,  from  Maine, 
were  exclusively  of  this  description:  many  of  the  10th  were 
so.  In  the  march  down  the  Chateaugay,  the  latter  regiment 
did  not  exceed  two  hundred  effectives.  When  to  the  di- 
minution, produced  by  the  expiration  of  inlistments,  arc 
added  the  prodigious  mortality  occasioned  by  the  ill- 
judged  movements  of  the  troops,  at  an  inclement  season,  in 
this  frightful  climate, — and  the  diseases  consequent  upon 
the  unlucky  expedition  to  Lacole,  it  will  cease  to  be  sur- 
prising that  so  many  men  should  have  disappeared  from 
the  roll  of  effectives. 

Another  circumstance  deserves  attention.  The  regi- 
ments have  been  so  broken  into  fragments,  that  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  report  their  real  strength.  The  estimates  sent  into 
the  war  office  will  generally  be  found  to  exceed  the  actual 
force;  because  absentees  are  accounted  for  in  different 
reports.  Thus  in  the  light  artillery,  when  I  came  here,  the 
aggregate  embraced  the  pans  of  that  regiment,  stationed 
at  various  places; — so  with  the  dragoons; — so  with  some 


•\i 


'*■ 


,*•>■. 


■»^ti^^. 


39 


regiments  of  infantry.  At  Sackett's  Harbour  the  thing  was 
rcven«d.  The  detachments  on  lake  Champlain  were  there 
agaii,  accounted  for. — These  double  rolls  ..^ald  naturally 
induce  error  in  those  who  are  not  familiar  with  the  forms  of 
our  very  intricate  and  tedious  military  returns. 
•  The  want  of  discipline  can  be  with  equal  facility  ac- 
counted for.  Though  the  regiments  are  the  same  that 
served  in  the  last  campaign,  the  greater  part  of  the  officers 
and  men  have  joined  since;  the  best  of  the  former  have 
either  been  promoted,  or  transferred,  or  have  retired  from 
the  service.  Raw  officers  have  charge  of  raw  recruits;  and  if 
they  were  not  alarming  to  the  safety  of  the  country  and 
the  honour  of  our  arms,  the  exhibitions  in  even  old  regi- 
ments, which  not  unfrequently  meet  the  eye,  would  excite 
ridicule  as  much  as  disgust. 

Good  inspectors  may  in  some  degree  correct  these  evils; 
but  they  must  not  only  be  themselves  qualified  to  per- 
form the  important  duties  entrusted  to  their  department, 
they  must  likewise  have  the  aid  of  some  intelligent  officers 
and  non-commissioned  officers. 

Of  the  neglect  of  duty  among  the  staff  officers,  previous 
to  my  arrival  here,  I  can  say  nothing; — of  their  activity 
since,  I  may  speak  with  commendation:  but  that  duty  is 
arduous  and  requires  more  practical  experience,  than  mi- 
litary subjects  have  often  met  with  in  our  country. 

The  foundation  of  discipline,  as  is  very  justly  stated  in 
your  letter,  is  obedience.  To  establish  it  is  not  the  work 
of  a  day,  and  requires  the  sincere  co-operation  and  support 
of  the  highest  authority.  If  the  frivolous  complaints  and 
misrepresentations  of  subordinates  meet  with  attention  and 
respect,  and  produce  enquiry  and  investigation,  without 
being  communicated  to  the  superior  officer  at  whom  they 
are  aimed,  the  consequence  is  as  injurious  to  the  service 


li 


,.«•>"  '-■■ 


40  • 

as  it  is  alarming  and  oftnsive  to  a  commander.  I  have 
therefore  reason  to  rejoice  at  the  assurance  you  honour 
me  with,  that  **  in  creating  and  maintaining  obedience^ 
I  shall  have  the  fttU  and  unqualified  support  of  the  war 
department," 

Colonel  Snelling  can  no  where  be  more  usefully  em- 
ployed than  here.  As  he  received  no  renewal  of  orders  to 
proceed  to  the  weMward,  in  his  late  visit  to  Washington, 
I  have  ventured  to  consult  his  inclination  and  my  own  in 
assigning  to  him  some  important  duties  in  this  part  of  the 
force.  I  have  in  die  last  campaign  had  reason  to  appre* 
ciate  hb  firmness  and  activity. 

No  answer  has  been  received  from  Sir  Gewge  Prevost 
on  the  subject  of  the  returned  prisoners  of  war.  I  have  lit- 
tle doubt  however  that  he  will  put  such  as  he  shall  find 
useful  immediately  on  active  duty. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  8cc.  Ccc.  &cc. 


p^-a; 


SIR, 


From  the  Same  to  the  Same, 


Head  Quarters  7iear  Plattaburgy  June  24thf  1814. 


Some  days  ago,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Forsyth  took  a  man 
of  the  name  of  Perkins,  from  his  residence  in  Odeltown, 
and  coTiVvyed  him  to  the  camp  of  our  advanced  brigade. 
This  Perkins  has  been  notoriously  employed  by  the  enemy 
as  a  spy,  and  my  (Mrders  were  to  seize  him  within  our  ter- 
ritory,  for  the  purpose  of  making  such  an  example  of 
him,  as  might  deter  others  from  conduct  so  prejudicial  to 


our  interest.  The  following  day  one  of  our  citizens,  by 
the  name  of  Hamilton,  residing  on  the  frontier,  was  carried 
off  by  a  British  party,  and  a  note,  from  th*^  British  officer 
commanding  at  Lacole,  was  addressed  to  Lieutenant  Colo- 
nel Forsyth,  remonstrating  against  the  seizure  of  Perkins, 
and  offering  to  relieve  their  captive  if  we  would  return 
ours.  The  details  of  this  business  were  reported  to  me 
only  on  the  27th,  and  I  am  about  to  institute  an  enquiry 
into  the  subject. 

The  enclosed  letter  will  inform  you  of  what  took  place 
yesterday  on  the  lines.  The  indiscretion  of  poor  Forsyth, 
prevented  the  entire  success  of  the  project;  he  has  paid  for 
it  with  his  life.  By  a  second  note  from  Brigadier  General 
Smith,  of  this  morning,  I  find  that  the  loss  of  the  enemy  is 
seventeen  killed,  among  whom  are  some  Indians.  On 
our  side  none  has  fallen  besides  the  gallant,  but  eccentric 
and  irregular  Forsytl;  Major  Willoughby  Morgan,  of 
the  12th,  received  a  slight  contusion  from  ~  musket  ball. 

The  enemy's  attention  seems  much  engaged  with  the 
proceedings  in  this  quarter.  Sir  George  Prevost  was  at 
Chambly  two  days  ago. 

I  have,  &c.  Sec.  &c. 


■:•#" 


■'A-''i?v''  •;  ■ 


in 


'  hi 


<iit. 


...:ii£^f;A^-. 


,n 


4.2 


From  the  Secretary  at  fTar  to  Major  General  Izard, 


War  Department,  June  15/A,  1814. 


SIR, 


As  the  hot  season  is  approaching,  it  is  deemed  advisable 
to  have  the  flour  which  has  been  deposited  by  the  late  con* 
tractor,  or  other  public  agents,  baked  into  hard  bread  as 
soon  as  practicable.  You  will  give  orders  to  have  this  done 
in  whole  or  in  part,  as  you  may  think  proper.  , 

I  am,  sir,  &c.  Sec.  &c. 


Major  Bell  to  Major  General  Izard, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General's  Office, 

Waafiington,  \5  Jane,  181 4. 
SIR, 

Your  letter  of  the  5th  instant  has  been  received,  and 
submitted  to  the  secretary  of  war.  I  am  directed  to  inform 
you,  that,  to  avoid  the  inconvenience  of  travelling,  the 
general  court  martial  may  be  held  near  your  head  quar- 
ters, and  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  appoint  the  court. 
I  have  the  honour,  he.  &c. 
JNO.  R.  BELL, 

Adjutant  Inspector  General, 


I 


11 


.\<   .■•/  *■.":. 


i 


||[|liji^ll(M»»M»«^'<llMI Hi  I  111  I 


43 


Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  War* 


Camfi  near  Platttburg,  \ttJuly,  1814. 


SIR, 


I  have  directed  the  Judge  Advocate  of  this  division,  to 
forward  the  proceedings  of  the  general  court  martial,  in  the 

cases  of  Colonel  A —  and  Captain  M ,  to  the 

war  office.  It  has  appeared  to  me  that  the  most  proper 
course  for  me  to  follow  in  this  business,  would  be  to  refer 
the  decision  to  superior  authority;  and  in  the  mean  time, 
as  these  gentlemen  have  been  for  several  weeks  under 
arrest,  I  shall  this  day  allow  them  to  resume  their  swords 
until  the  pleasure  ofthe  President  respecting  them  shall  be 
known. 

I  am,  8cc.  &c.  See. 


The  Secretary  at  fTar  to  Majof  Qineral  Izard. 


War  Defiartmenty  June  31«r,  1814. 


SIR, 


Your  letters  of  the*  3d,  and  10th  instant  have  been 
received.  The  quartermaster  must  mount  your  dragoons. 
Funds,  for  that  and  other  purposes,  will  be  sent  the  mo- 
ment they  are  put  at  my  disposition.  Orders  shall  be 
given  to  Mr.  Merchant,  to  forward  from  Albany,  three 
hundred  suits  of  rifle  clothing  to  Mr.  Irvine,  who  will 

*  Note.  The  letter  of  the  3d  from  General  I.  to  General  A.  was 
private,  it  related  to  the  duel  mentioned  above.  The  secretary's  an* 
swer  was  dated  the  18th  June,  and  was  considered  9\9o  Jirivate.  They 
are  therefore  both  omitted. 


44 


issue  it  agreeably  to  the  rules  atid  regulations.  The  light 
artillery  with  you,  will  do  the  duty  of  heavy  artillery,  and 
therefore  need  not  be  mounted.  I  need  not  tell  you  the 
reason  of  mounting  light  artillery.  With  us,  this  reason 
does  not  and  will  not  exist,  until  we  have  masses  of  caval- 
ry with  whom  they  may  co-operate,  and  until  our  champ 
de  hataille  is  an  open  and  level  plain. 

By  the  last  letters  from  Commodore  Chauncey  it  would 
appear,  that  he  will  be  ready  for  Sir  James  Yeo,  by  the 
first  proximo.  Can  you  spare  Major  Totten  for  the  exami- 
nation of  the  point  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  mentioned  in  my 
letterby  Colonel  SneUing?  :      '    ' 

General  Wilkinson  stated,  that  he  had  required  a  num- 
ber of  heavy  guns  for  Rouse's  point.  What  became  of 
the  heavy  pieces  he  brought  down  the  St.  Lawrence  with 
him  in  November  last?  Besides  these,  several  of  the  gun 
boats  were  heavily  armed.  By  what  we  learn  from  Halifax, 
the  reinforcements  for  Canada  do  not  exceed  one  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  men;  one  thousand  four  hundred  in- 
fantry, and  four  hundred  seamer. 

I  am,  sir.  Sec.  &c.  &c. 


V, 


titi^^MMA^wM*. 


■■■>.>■ 


45 


Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  War, 


ild 
the 


,:, 


n: 


4' 


SIR, 


Camfi  near  Plattaburg,  July  3c/,  1814. 


I  am  honoured  with  your  letters  of  the  15th,  18th,  and 
21st  June. 

The  protection  of  the  stores  and  public  property,  which 
are  daily  but  irregularly  arriving  at  this  place,  has  deter- 
mined me  to  raise  some  defensive  works  here.  A  few  re- 
doubts, j  udiciously  placed,  and  flanking  each  other,  will  ena- 
ble a  small  force  to  resist  numbers  for  a  given  time,  and  will 
2:ender  the  favourite  mode  of  proceeding  of  the  enemy  in 
destroying  public  buildings  and  d6pots,  more  difficult  than 
heretofore.  The  work  is  commenced  and  will  be  executed 
exclusively  by  the  troops. 

I  shall  be  obliged  to  support  the  battery  at  Cumber* 
land  Head  in  the  same  way;  and  when  able  to  march,  will 
leave  them  in  charge  of  invalids,  under  the  best  officer  I 
can  select  for  the  purpose.  Colonel  Fenwick  will  be  ad- 
vantageously employed  in  this  way.  His  wounds  have  in- 
capacitated him  for  the  fatigues  of  the  field,  but  his  zeal 
and  activity  will  render  him  essentially  useful  here.- 

Several  small  detachments  have  arrived  from  Whitehall 
and  the  eastward  in  the  last  ten  days,  amounting  in  all  to 
men. 

Nothing  worthy  of  notice  has  occurred  on  the  lines  since 
my  last.  After  examining  the  Canadian  prisoners,  men- 
tioned in  .my  letter  of  the  29th  June,  I  dismissed  them  to 
their  homes;  and  made  the  elder  Perkins  a  present  which 
seemed  to  reconcile  him  to  what  had  happened.  A  letter 
from  Hamilton,  (the  American  who  was  taken  in  retalia- 


-if' 


1i 


*■      f  i 


46 

tion,)  was  sent  to  me  by  his  wife;  it  appears  that  he  was  kind- 
ly treated,  and  informed  that  he  should  be  released  when 
the  others  were.  This  was  one  of  the  many  instances  in  which 
the  indiscretion  of  the  late  Forsyth,  prepared  embarrass- 
ments for  his  commanding  (^cer.  The  inhabitants  near 
the  border  were  greatly  alarmed  from  the  apprehension  of 
the  system  being  persevered  in.  I  have  endeavoured  to 
tranquillize  them,  and,  I  believe,  with  success. 

In  consequence  of  your  having  mentioned  Major  Totten 
as  a  proper  officer,  to  examine  the  banks  of  the  St.  Law- 
rence,  for  a  situation  on  which  to  establish  the  intended 
fortification,  I  sent  him  on  that  duty  two  days  ago.  He  is 
instructed,  should  it  appear  that  a  letter  would  reach  the 
war  office  sooner  from  that  quarter,  than  by  postponing 
the  report  until  his  return,  to  write  to  you  from  thence. 
It  is  inconvenient  to  be  without  him;  but  the  object  in  view 
is  of  immediate  importance,  and  we  can  spare  him  for  a 
short  time.  He  will  be  absent  eight  or  nine  days. 

Desertion  prevails  to  an  alarming  extent  among  the  re- 
cruits before  they  join  the  army.  Of  a  detachment  of  the 
6th  regiment  lately  arrived  here,  and  consisting,  when  they 
left  Greenbusli,  of  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  men, 
twenty-six  deserted  on  the  road.  The  late  order,  for  re- 
warding citizens  who  shall  deliver  up  deserters,  will,  I 
have  no  doubt,  prove  eminently  useful. 

There  was,  some  years  ago,  a  regulation  of  our  service, 
prohibiting  the  enlistment  of  negroes  and  people  of  colour. 
I  have  not  heard  of  its  being  enforced.  Among  the  New 
England  recruits  there  have  lately  been  brought  hither  a 
number  of  these  people,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  the 
officers  and  soldiers  here.  The  latter  object  to  doing  duty 
with  them.  The  Inspector  General  is  now  organizing  them 


'•■'  'I 


47 

as  a  sort  of  pioneer  corps.  Shall  they  be  retained  and  mus- 
tered in  that  capacity? 

I  am  with  the  greatest  respect,  &c.    -  - 


•t  >■•■ 


The  Same  to  the  Same. 


"A  o 


■ '■,i-f::->Z-li: --^ 


StR, 


'*■*  '■■(' 


JulySt/i,  1814. 


Th£  enclosed  letter  is  from  one  of  the  most  valuable 
officers  of  his  grade,  in  the  service  of  the  United  States. 
Captain  Nelson  has  uniformly  distinguished  himself  by 
attention  to  duty,  as  well  as  the  most  undaunted  bravery 
and  cheerful  ac.:**y.  There  is  probably  not,  in  this  army, 
one  officer  wh  been  more  frequently  in  action,  and 

none  more  generally  esteemed  by  all  ranks  for  his  good 
humour  and  correct  deportment.  He  commanded  the 
2d  company  of  the  10th  regiment,  in  the  engagement  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  Chateaugay  river,  where  less  than  two 
hundred  and  fifty  Americans  beat  four  full  companies  of 
Voltigeurs,  after  a  brisk  action  of  twenty  minutes,  and 
drove  them  from  a  strong  position  which  they  occupied. 
There  are  not  many  gentlemen  in  our  service  more 
entitled  to  the  notice  of  the  war  department. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c» 


f 


■:W'  '* 


^.-\ 


.i 


.;* 


M^^ 


48 


■•;«^fJ'i:^-Ji^|,- 


I%<?  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izard, 


War  Department^  June  28rA,  1814. 


SIR, 


Herewith!  forward  to  you  a  register  of  the  army,  and 
a  certified  copy  of  the  rules  and  regulations  as  approved 
by  the  president  The  former  has  in  it  some  errors,  for 
the  correction  of  which,  officers  commanding  corps  have 
been  required  to  send  in  their  remarks  to  the  office  of  the 
Adjutant  and  Injector  General  at  this  place.  '  ';f  # > 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  &C.  -^ ' 


The  Same  to  the  Same, 


.^^ 


SIR, 


War  JDefiartmentf  June  30thf  1814. 


I  enclose  the  copy  of  a  letter  of  the  11th  instant,  from 
Captain  Macdonough  to  the  secretary  of  the  navy.  If  it  be 
determined  not  to  augment  our  fleet  on  lake  Champlain, 
the  alternative  of  fortifying  will  necessarily  be  imposed 
upon  us,  and  to  an  extent  beyond  our  first  calculation.  I 
suggest  this  idea,  that  your  requisitions  on  the  ordnance 
department  may  be  commensurate  with  the  wants  of  the 
service.  I  find  a  difference  of  opinion  exists  between  the 
relative  advantages  of  occupying  Rouse's  Point,  and  that 
at  the  mouth  of  Lacole  and  Ash  Island.  Between  these^ 
being  on  the  spot,  you  will  decide. 

I  am,  &c. 


ys^:-<i ,. 


49 


;;v..  i^^>K.,;V.   ■• 


From  Captain  Macdonough,  United  States  Navy^  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  Navy  ^  (enclosed  in  the  preceding  letter,  j 


- ' 


SIR, 


U.  S.  SAi/i  Saratoga^  1  l^A  June^  1814. 

■h'    ■  ■■•  %'■  .■  .--'-■    -  ■'.-.".- 


Four  sailors  (deserters)  from  the  enemy's  squadron 
came  in  to-day,  who  give  information  that  the  keel  of  a  ship 
to  carry  thirty-two  gmis  was  laid  a1  Isle-aux-Ndx,  and 
that  the  enemy  are  getting  up  gallies  from  Quebec,  This 
intelligence  is  confirmed  by  the  person  whom  I  sent  in  a 
few  days  since,  who  has  returned  with  information,  that 
the  enemy  have  the  keel  of  a  ship  Kaid,  which  was  to  equal 
at  least  the  Saratoga;  that  three  gallies  had  arrived  at  the 
Isle-aux-Noix  from  Quebec,  and  that  eight  more  gallies 
were  on  their  way  to  that  place  from  Quebec. 

They  certainly  consider  the  command  of  thislakeof  much 
importance,  by  the  determination  they  evince  to  have  an 
ascendency  on  it;  and,  as  they  can  easily  obtain  a  correct 
statenient  of  our  force,  they  can  prepare  their's  accordingly. 

Four  frames  of  vessels  have  arrived  at  Montreal,  two 
of  which,  it  is  said,  are  intended  for  this  lake,  the  others 
for  lake  Ontario.  I  shall,  however,  ascertain  what  is  to  be 
done  with  those  frames  without  delay. 

Our  force  is  now  very  considerable  on  the  lakes,  an 
augmentation  of  which,  on  this,  probably  might  be  un- 
necessary, if  the  narrow  parts  in  the  vicinity  of  the  line 
were  so  fortified  as  to  keep  the  enemy  from  entering  our 
waters  with  the  assistance  of  our  vessels,  until  there  should 
be  an  expedition  against  Isle-aux-Noix.  Should  it  be  or- 
derc*!  to  increase  our  naval  force,  it  should  be  commenced 
withe  It  loss  of  time,  and  Messrs.  Browns  of  New  York, 
would  be  the  persons  to  build  such  force  as  might  be 

c 


1  f 


:-:x:r^'- 


It  be 

i 

r 

u 

.**,..           *,.A 

S'.^s 


■•'■«'  Vr 


III 

i 


50 

deemed  necessary.  Gallies  are  unquestional  the  best 
description  of  vessels  for  the  northern  parts  of  this  lake, 
but  the  number  of  men  they  require  is  a  very  serious  ob- 
jection to. them.  The  next  best,  vessels  for  this  service  in 
my  opinion,  are  schooners'  or  brigs,  carrying  sixteen  or 
eighteen  long  eighteen  pounders;  these  guns  would  reach 
their  gallies  in  their  skulking  places;  the  number  of  men 
requisite  for  these  latter  vessels  in  comparison  with  the 
gallies,  1  think  would  make  them  the  'i-essels  to  be  pre- 
feired.  The  whole  expense  of  the  gallies  would  exceed  the 
expenses  of  larger  vessels,  without  being  so  healthy  or 
comfortable.  All  the  carpenters  h^ve  long  since  gone  to 
New  York.     •.  •  -  "' 

Cannon,  rigging,  &c.  would  have  to  be  sent  on,  which 
I  should  like  to  be  about  getting  on  immediately,  should 
you  order  me  to  build.  •  *      J<< 

I  hoped  a  short  time  since  that  no  increase  of  our  naval 
force  would  become  necessary,  and  that  the  enemy  would 
meet  us  with  what  force  he  had  completed,  which  three 
years  ago  he  would  have  considered  equal  to  ours;  but 
now,  sir,  I  am  sure  he  intends  risking  nothing,  but  will 
endeavour  to  out  build  us,  and  there  is  no  knowing  where 
this  building  may  stop,  for  as  I  before  said,  his  acquain- 
tance with  our  force,  will  enable  him  to  know  exactly 
what  force  to  bring  against  us,  so  there  is  a  probability  of 
his  not  meeting  us,  unless  he  is  pretty  confident  of  being 
successful. 

He  is  now  under  the  protection  of  the  Isle-aux-Noix,  and 
will  no  doubt  continue  there  unlil  he  feels  himself  strong 
enough  to  risk  a  battle. 

I  have  been  changing  some  of  my  crews  for  other  men 
from  the  ranks,  and  shall  now  go  down  towards  Isle-aux- 


~  — - ^««w  ^.1 


(       I- 

'  ■  » 


I     '.  .'     f 


51 

Noix,  and  if  I  can,  without  very  imprudently  exposing  my 
vessels,  I  sfhall  endeavour  to  bring  him  to  action. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir,  with  great  respect. 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 
-  ^^     a  T.  MACDONOUGH. 


•-•».i 


'fcif- 


'K 


.¥ 


The  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izard' 


SIR, 


War  Detiarttnent,  July  2d,  1814. 


I  yesterday  saw  the  secretary  of  the  navy,  and  received 
from  him  an  explicit  declaration  that  he  would  not  ad0  to 
the  naval  means  on  Lake  Champlain,  as  suggested  by 
Captain  Macdonough,  in  his  letters  of  the  8th  and  11th 
ultimo.  We  are,  therefore,  driven  to  the  expedient  of 
fortifying  the  narrows. 

The  late  events  in  Europe  give  to  the  enemy  a  great 
disposable  force,  and  the  means,  of  course,  of  being  very 
formidable.  The  newspapers  report,  that  large  armaments 
are  to  be  sent  hither;  but  of  the  actual  sailing  of  these,  we 
have  no  advice.  The  next  arrivals  from  Europe  will  show 
whether  the  story  be  merely  made  up  to  operate  on  the  ne- 
gotiation, or  is  the  precursor  of  a  new  and  increased  activity 
on  the  part  of  the  enemy  in  prosecuting  the  war. 

I  am,  sir,  &c. 


*■  . 


■I 


.  j-j*   >v   **   '    '  Ijt'''. ' 


''^■J'' 


■kw. 


■'"'"V/ji'iHr'^^^i  W^ 


m 


«' 


i  ■'■■ 

m 


% 


»' 


■,«»'!;■..'♦, 


r  < 


:«y^--Cit 


i!i«.,-/w  1  i;j,- 


Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  War. 


f, '  V. 


r^-  i  '■ 


■'..^M'iv' 


■^. 


SIR, 


/■-V  ■ 


¥■ 


Plattaburgj  July  18/A,  ISUr. 


VovR  letters  of  the  30th  June  and  2d  July,  with  en- 
closures, reached  me  at  Champlain.  I  am  gratified  at 
having  anticipated  the  instructions  you  have  honoured 
me  with  for  the  protection  of  the  naval  force  and  military 
stores,  1^  having  commenced  some  defensive  works, 
whi-^h  wUl,  I  hope^  be  executed  in  time  to  meet  con- 
tingencies no  longer  improbable.  With  respect  to  their 
location,  it  will  be  difficult  to  explain  the  reasons  for  the 
preference  of  certain  points,  without  referring  you  to 
correct  plans  and  drafts  of  the  country  and  neighbouring 
waters.  Of  these  there  are,  I  believe,  none  but  a  few 
sketches,  made  by  the  officers  under  my  command.  I  am 
led  to  the  observation,  by  a  passage  in  your  letter  of  the 
30th  June,  relative  to  Rouse's  Point,  the  mouth  of  Lacole 
river,  and  Ash  Island.  ,  ,^^  w^-.-  *^( 

The  two  latter  are  in  the  occupation  of  the  enemy, 
strongly  fortified,  and  affisrding  a  cover  for  their  fleet, 
which  is  moored  under  batteries  at  those  places.  The 
other  (Rouse's)  has  been  long  an  object  of  my  attention. 
It  is  admirably  situated  for  the  establishment  of  a  heavy 
b?ttery,  which  would  command  the  passage  of  the  lake  ia 
its  narrowest  part;  but  there  is  not  room  for  o.efensive 
works  in  its  rear;  and  its  immediate  vicinity  to  the  princi- 
pal post  of  the  enemy  at  the  Lacole  mill  (now  surrounded 
*  '^  intrenchmenti)  ^would  make  its  occupation  very  ha- 
;..  us.  The  question  next  lay  between  the  relative  ad- 
^  *.';»«;?  of  the  Pointe-aux-Rochers  and  Cumberland 
Head.   I  have  determined  in  favour  of  the  latter  for  a 


jp  wSr^  '  -^ . 


"/.^ 


53 

variety  of  reasons.  Its  connexion  with  this  position  (which 
I  hope  to  nlace  soon  in  a  respectable  state  oi'  defcnof')  and 
the  protection  it  may  aiFord  in  combination  with  the  oppo- 
site shore  of  Grande  Isle  to  our  naval  force,  are  the  prin- 
cipal inducements  to  the  choice  I  have  made.  But  I  am 
deficient  in  heavy  artillery.  Two  twenty-four  and  six 
eighteen  pounders  are  all  I  have.  .".**"  >y  :-  ,.  i:, .  '  "*>  v" 
■'-■M.  beg  leave  to  transmit  a  letter  and  draft  from  Major 
Totten,  U.  S.  Engineers,  touching  the  ground  for  a  for- 
tificat'on  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  y^  '  ..^,  «^^~  -^i  ••-  --.« J»* 
-  Cblonel  Lear  and  Major  Melville  arrived  at  this  plac^ 
two  days  ago.  On  the  7th  instant,  I  communicated  t  j  the 
Briiish  commander  the  appointment  of  the  former  gentle* 
man  as  commissioner  to  treat  of  an  exchange,  Sec.  I  have 
yet  had  no  answer  on  the  sbbject. 

With  the  highest  respect,  &c.     v    •  * 


fe. 


P.  S.  July  13th.  Last  afternoon  a  despatch  from  Sir 
George  Prevost  announced  that  he  had  appointed  Colonel 
Bayn;s,  his  Adjutant  General,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Brenton,  his  provincial  Aid>de-Camp,  to  meet  Col.  Lear 
at  Champlain  Town,  on  Friday  the  15th.  Not  having  any 
pbjectidn  to  the  time  or  place,  I  have  given  notice  of  the 
circumstance  to  Col.  Lear,  who  will  proceed  accordingly 
with  Major  Melville.  '        :*^:;:i^^r- 


■*. 

^ 

*  ~ 

.  « 

-"■ 

-«• 

■(••>■»  .,»■"■ 


fF"..^* 


^4 


■ii\ 


.'■M' 


r'./\:  ,i~i^'-,- 


From  the  Same  to  the  Same, 


■^'y'.J'vU)   -v^' 


V** 


SIR, 


Camfinear  Flattaburg,  July  \9th,  18U. 


Colonel  Lear  and  Major  Melville  have  returned  from 
the  conference  they  held  with  Col.  Baynes  and  Lieut.  Col. 
Brenton,  of  the  British  army;  and  have  terminated,  I  be- 
lieve satisfactorily,  their  negotiation.  I  am  informed  by 
them,  that  the  exchange,  previously  to  the  15th  April,  is 
definitive;  and  shall,  in  consequence,  put  on  duty  those 
men,  now  very  few  in  numbers,  who  were  considered  as 
paroled  prisoners.  The  Governor  of  Canada  had  taken  this 
step  some  time  ago. 

Frequent  desertions  to  the  enemy  from  our  troops  on 
the  lines,  within  the  last  week,  induced  an  inquiry  into 
the  causes  of  a  crime  hitherto  novel  in  our  service.  I  am 
sorry  to  say  that  it  is,  in  a  great  measure,  attributable  to 
the  unwarranted  severity  which  inferior  officers  have  been 
in  the  habit  of  exercising  towards  the  soldiers,  by  privately 
punishing  them  with  blows.  I  have  strongly  reprehended 
this  mode  of  proceeding,  and  have  announced  my  inten- 
tion of  making  an  example  of  such  individuals  as  shall  be 
again  guilty  of  this  infraction  of  the  laws.  The  lax  dis- 
cipline entertained  by  the  late  Colonel  Forsyth  in  his 
corps,  has  induced  his  successor  to  endeavour  at  restoring 
order  by  a  more  arbitrary  rule  than  that  irregular  troop 
had  been  accustomed  to.  Several  have  gone  over  to  the 
enemy.  A  systematic  mode  of  enforcing  subordination  will, 
I  hope,  put  a  stop  to  this  serious  evil. 

On  a  complaint  of  improper  conduct  against  Colonel 

C ( — th  Regt.),  recruiting  in  Vermont,  I  directed 

my  Adjutant  General  to  order  the  restitution  of  a  man  he 


11 
c 
1 

i 
I 


-*ii 


r 


# 


r*».. 


■\f:-' 


8U. 


55 

(Col.  C )  had  taken  by  force  from  the  general  hospital, 

in  opposition  to  the  remonstrances  of  Dr.  Hunt,  director 
of  that  establishment.  He  took  no  notice  of  the  order.  He 
is  in  consequence  arrested,  and  wtiuld  have  been  tried  by 
a  general  court  martial,  now  in  session  here;  but  for  ill- 
ness, real  or  pretended,  which,  as  he  alleges,  prevents  his 
crossing  the  lake.  As  he  is  in  the  habit  of  writing  to  the 
war  office,  his  case  has  probably  been  already  presented 
to  you  by  himself.  The  Adjutant  General's  note  to  him  I 
did  not  see  till  after  it  was  transmitted,  and  is  couched  in 
terms  too  harsh  for  a  man  of  his  age.  This,  however,  is  a 
matter  between  themselves,  and  has  no  relation  to  his  dis- 
obedience and  contumacy.  I  will  direct  him  to  turn  over 
his  recruiting  business  to  the  next  senior  officer  of  his 
regiment;  and,  if  he  is  not  well  enough  to  attend  here  in 
the  next  ten  days,  shall  refer  him  to  a  trial  at  a  season  when 
we  have  less  business  of  importance  to  attend  to.  ■^- "^ '-  ^ 
It  is  wonderful  how  much  valuable  time  these  courts 
martial  engross.  I  have  more  than  once  exerted  the  pri- 
vilege of  pardoning,  in  order  to  empty  the  provost  prison; 
but  it  is  rapidly  repeopled.  I  do  not,  however,  complain 
of  the  troops.  With  better  officers,  especially  of  the  lower 
grades,  in  a  few  weeks  they  would  be  equal  to  the  finest 
corps  in  any  foreign  service. 

The  fortifications  are  progressing  fast.  They  will  be 
nearly  finished  in  this  month.  Leaving  the  necessary  num- 
ber for  their  guard,  and  that  of  the  stores,  I  count  on 
confronting  the  Lower  Canada  forces  with  five  thousand 
men,  early  in  August.  With  this  army,  I  can  defend  this 
frontier  against  a  greater  force.  It  is,  however,  entirely 
inadequate  to  the  conquest  of  any  important  part  of  the 
country,  with  the  intention  of  retaining  it. 

I  look  with  some  uneasiness  to  the  westward.  Should 


'■■'  r  .ft*»-. 


^^^-i..-^!^ 


56 

any  accident  occur  in  that  quarter,  ought  I  not  to  move 
to  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  threaten  the  rear  of  Kingston? 

Colonel  Lear,  on  leaving  this  place  yesterday,  wrote  to 
request  that  the  tWenty-three  British  soldiers,  hostages  at 
Greenbush,  who  are  released  and  exchanged  in  common 
with  the  o\\er  prisoners,  might  be  ordered  under  a  secure 
guard  to  the  frontier  for  delivery.  I  cannot,  by  the  present 
arrangement,  order  Brigadier  General  Burbeck  to  take 
this  step:  but  I  shall,  by  this  day's  mail,  recommend  it  to 
him;  and,  if  they  are  sent  here,  will  deliver  them  to  the 
nearest  British  post. 

■'  I  am,  &c.  &c. 


From  the  Hon,  James  Fuk  to  the  Secretary  at  War. 
(Referred  by  the  latter  to  Major  General  Izard.) 


■i  ■■'< 


SIR, 


Barre,  Vermont,  27th  June,  IS  14. 


I  learn,  from  unquestionable  authority,  that  droves  of 
cattle  are  continually  passing  from  the  northern  parts  of 
this  State  into  Canada  to  the  British.  This  business  is 
principally  carried  on  in  that  part  of  this  state  which  lies 
east  of  lake  Memphramagog  and  west  of  Connecticut 
river,  and  can  only  be  checked  by  an  armed  force:  pro> 
bably  one  company  of  horse  might  be  sufficient.  Whether 
the  object  be  worthy  of  attention,  you  must  judge. 
With  great  respect,  &c. 


■i; 


f 

4 


fo  move 

^ston? 

i'rote  to 

btages  at 

pommon 

|a  secure 

t  present 

to  take 
:nd  it  to 
to  the 


War. 


e,  1814. 

Iroves  of 
parts  of 
iiness  is 
lich  lies 
necticut 
ze:  pro- 
Vhether 


.  m^Hip  ,  if/,.  ^Af  'A. . 

■m  -^  . 

>♦•  iFj-oM  Major  General  Ixard  to  the  Secretary  at  War* 

%■■  Camft  near  Platfdurgt  July  31,1814. 

.^,  SIR, 

Several  communications  from  the  war  office  have 
reached  me  since  I  last  had  the  honour  of  addressing 
you.  They  have  all  been  duly  attended  tow 
'    The  letter  from  Mr.  Fisk  of  Vermont,  only  confirmed 
a  &ct,  which  is  not  only  disgraceful  to  our  countrymen, 
but  seriously  detrimental  to  the  public  interest.  From  the 
St.  Lawrence  to  the  ocean  an  open  disregard  prevails  for 
the  laws  prohibiting  intercourse  with  the  enemy.   The 
road  to  St.  Regis  is  covered  with  droves  of  cattle,  and 
the  river  with  rafis,  destined  for  the  enemy.  The  revenue 
oF'^'^rs  see  these  things,  but  acknowledge  their  inability 
to      \  a  stq}  to  such  outrageous  proceedings.  On  the 
eastern  side  of  lake  Champlain,  the  high  roads  are  found 
insufficient  for  the  supplies  of  cattle  which  are  pouring 
into  Canada.    Like  herds  of  buffiiloes,  they  press  through 
the  fovest,  making  paths  for  themselves.  The  collectors  of 
Plattsburg  and  Burlington  have  applied  to  me  for  assist- 
ance. I  have  offered  to  supply  them  with  what  men  and 
means  they  might  require.  Plans  have  been  proposed  and 
acceded  to.  But  when  the  hour  of  execution  arrives,  the 
civil  officers  decline  acting.   Nothing  but  a  cordc.    of 
troops,  from  the  French  Mills  to  lake  Memphramagog, 
could  effectually  check  the  evil. — Were  it  not  for  these 
supplies,  the  British  forces  in  Canada  would  soon  be  sufu 
fering  from  famine,  or  their  government  be  subjected  to 
enormous  expense  for  their  maintenance. 


\\ 


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58 

The  enclosed  extract  from  a  handbill,*  published  in 
Montreal  on  the  25th  instant,  was  sent  me  yestejday  by  a 
respectable  inhabitant  of  the  neighbourhood.  You  will  pro- 
bably have  received  the  information  from  other  sources. 

On  the  night  of  the  27th  instant,  a  small  party,  headed 
by  Captain  Nelson  of  the  10th  (in  whose  favour  I  wrote  to 
you  on  the  8th  instant)  surprised  an  enemy's  guard  in 
Odeltown,  and  brought  oif  nine  prisoners.  They  were 
very  near  taking  the  commanding  officer  at  Lacole  (Col. 
Herriot)  who,  with  two  others,  owe  their  escape  to  the 
speed  of  their  horses.  --i^^^WM'^^  ^*i-^-  tr^-fyi''hii^00~:iis^^fi. 
-'  The  recruits  who  have  arrived  here  in  the  last  three 
months,  have  not  yet  received  the  second  moiety  of  their 
bounties.  I  have  been  under  the  necessity  of  making  to 
some  of  the  companies  an  advance,  on  account,  of  ten 
dollars  per  man,  which  I  have  drawn  from  the  fund  at 
my  disposal  for  the  recruiting  service.  Officers  and  men 
complain  of  the  irregularity  of  their  payment.  It  is  pecu- 
liarly  hard  on  the  former  at  the  moment  of  taking  the  field. 

Yesterday  afternoon  arrived  here  Captain  Hopkins's 
troop  of  light  dragoons,  and  on  the  29th  a  party  of  fifty 
men,  belonging  to  ihe  15th  infantry.  These  are  all  the  re- 
inforcements I  have  had  since  the  arrival  of  Iiieutenant 
Colonel  Clinch  with  a  detachment  of  the  10th  infantry. — 
Not  a  man  has  yet  joined  from  the  left  division.  I  am 
told,  however,  that  some  of  the  13th  and  29th  regiments 
are  on  their  way.  I  know  not  when  to  expect  them,     l- 

Macomb's  brigade  (0th,  13th,  15th,  16th  and  29th)  set 
out  this  morning  in  bateaux  from  Cumberland  Head  for 
Chazy  Landing.  He  has  left  his  invalids,  and  two  hundred 


■'h'*- 


•  J\/'ote.  This  handbill  stated  the  arrival  at  Quebec  of  a  fleet  of  men 
of  war  and  transports,  >vith  several  thousand  troops  from  Bordeaux. 
The  strength  of  each  regiment  was  given  in  detail. 


'% 


■•iim-5-.L' 


men  as  a  working  party,  to  finish  the  work  at  the  former 
place.  His  force  is  about  eleven  hundred  effectives,  r  *' 
^;  Bissell»s  brigade  (5th,  14th,  30th,  31st,  33d,  34th,  and 
45th)  commences  its  movement  this  afternoon,  by  land, 
and  will  be  at  Chazy  village,  two  miles  from  the  Landing, 
to-morrow.  I  shall  attach  one  company  of  light  (serving 
as  field)  artillery  to  each  brigade.  Including  all  arms,  we 
shall  be  to-morrow  at  our  position,  in  rear  of  Champlain, 
with  the  three  brigades,  about  4500  strong.  I  leave  two 
incomplete  companies  of  artillery,  all  the  sick,  and  a 
working  party,  of  between  three  and  four  hundred  men, 
here,  under  command  of  Colonel  Fenwick.  Major  Totten 
(Engineers)  directs  the  fortifications. 

It  is  matter  of  surprise  to  me,  that  so  few  officers  join 
their  regiments.  The  dragoons  and  artillery  have  less  than 
half  their  complement  of  subalterns.  In  the  infantry  there 
is  also  a  deficiency.  Many  of  the  ofiicers  from  the  east- 
ward, on  the  appearance  of  active  service,  have  sent  in 
their  resignations!  Some  on  the  plea  of  ill  health — others 
claiming  to  be  discharged^  having  engaged  for  one  year's 
service  only!  I  accept  no  resignations;  but  direct  the  Ad- 
jutant General  to  forward  them  to  the  war  office.  On  the 
recommendation  of  their  immediate  commanding  field 
officers  and  the  Brigadier  to  whom  they  are  attached, 
they  generally  obtain  leave  of  absence  till  answers  arrive 
from  Washington. 

Colonel  Snelling,  to  the  regret  of  the  officers  of  this 
division  as  well  as  his  own,  leaves  us  to-morrow  for 
the  Niagara  frontier. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 


5 


V 


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I 


60 
From  the  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izard. 


■;€? 


SIR, 


•'^'^^■k^^'^^^  War  Defiartment,  30th  Julyt  18  U. 


Your  letter  of  the  19th  instant  was  brought  by  the 
mail  of  to-day.  Colonel  Lear's  arrangement  reached  us' 
some  days  ago,  and  gave  occasion  to  the  order  of  the  26ch 
instant,  a  copy  of  which  has  been  forwarded  to  you.  An 
order  has  also  been  sent  to  General  Burbeck  to  hasten  the 
departure  of  the  remaining  hostages  to  the  lines.  Colonel 

C is  not  in  the  habit  of  corresponding  with  me,  nor 

have  I  heard  any  thing  from  him  on  the  subject  of  his 
arrest.  The  lawless  punishment  of  soldiers  should  be 
strictly  forbidden,  and  your  orders  in  this  case  rigorously 
enforced.     .  '  •■  ■■;"■    ■'  '  ••;•>-  ■'w/  ^s^s^'^^'i^-^^^f^'^^w^^'f^;^'?''^'? 

My  letter  of  the  27th  has  anticipated  your  remark  in 
relation  to  a  movement  towards  the  St.  Lawrence,  ^-^^mim^ 

■-■•:••>.*'■  •^,  J-    ■■■■?■  ;->*.>  .j:f, ■'■'/'.■■■'":  .       ■»    am,,    OCC.    (XC.      ,■;.'{;'-      '* '\-'i*S'^^^^^' 

''-■>' i:''^'<.^^-^ff^?'-<.f  ■■'*■■  '' .fi^.v  V  ■•:  ..-v.>  _  .-r;,,;  ,r.'«-7  4  -  ;^'?^viV/Si^■il^■'• 
■  i-'''.-w^-:^  '^:,'--^'-\:^^^-<-  v>  ;*;■■<■  ^     ■  't*'-.CMv  ■•*''^  ■:-.':■':■:•'-'*  ' '  ^■-'  ^i' 


f>.\  x 


Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  War, 

Camfi  before  Chazt/y  Augutt  Tth^  1814. 
SIR, 

i  have  just  received  your  letter  of  the  30th  July,  which 
was  brought  by  the  express  mail  from  Plattsburg.  You 
inform  me,  that  your  *'  letter  of  the  ^Ith  ult.  has  antici- 
pated my  remark  in  relation  to  a  movement  towards  the 
St.  Lawrence."  I  have  received  no  letter  from  yoii  of  that 
date.  No  communication  from  yourselfh^s  reached  me  of 
a  later  date  than  the  2d  of  July.  As  it  is  impossible  for 


,.s»,  ,-  Vli,  . 


'"  '  ^iiA'*^****"•;•/!•\i•'*-♦^■'^*.'''■•••^:^■'^^•■ 


■■*. 


me  to  judge,  from  the  other  passages  of  your  letter,  what 
the  nature  of  the  instructions  in  the  missing  despatch  is,  I 
hasten  to  inform  you  of  the  accident  by  an  express,  who 
is  ordered  to  cvertake  the  mail,  or  proceed  to  Albany. 
The  post-office  at  Plattsburg  closes  the  departing  southern 
mail  before  the  letters  from  that  quarter  are  delivered. 

My  first  line,  consisting  of  Macomb's  and  Smith's 
brigades,  is  within  an  hour's  march  of  the  enemy,  who  is 
in  force  at  Odeltown.  My  reserve  is  here. 

I  am,  most  respectfully,  &c.      "*"  , 


.     ■  ,  I     ■     '   "  ""     ' 


%p''-^^>^ 


^h.-r 


'■i'T'  f-«,;'r" 


■'M:'y, 


From  the  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izard. 


(Private.)         War  jJeftartmenty  jiuguat  2d,  1814. 


^      SIR, 

£  N  c  L  0  s  E  D  is  the  copy  of  a  letter  this  moment  received 
from  Buffalo.  The  movement  indicated  in  my  letter  of  the 
27th,  a  copy  of  which  is  also  enclosed,  ought  to  be  made 
without  delay.  General  Gaines  is  under  orders  for  Buffalo, 
and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Mitchell  in  command  at  Sackett's 
Harbour.  Commodore  Decatur  is  ordered,  provisionally, 
to  take  command  of  the  fleet  on  lake  Ontario.  With  the 
actual  commander  you  will  communicate  freely  and  fre- 
quently. The  secretary  of  the  navy  assures  me,  that  he 
is  at  ease  with  respect  td  the  naval  superiority  on  lake 
Champlain. 

I  am,  sir,  very,  &c. 


I 


■  i 


S 


«ll 


mf 


nm>* 


*mim 


m^-*m^>m. 


m^ 


m  '* 


* 


.  ft  (f.; . 


»,j^: 


;*#'     From  J.  B.  Varnum  to  the  Secretary  at  PTar. 


"■■   (Enclosed  in  the  foregoing  letter.) 


Buffalo,  July  27th,  1814. 


BEAR    SIR, 


vn 


I  have  but  just  time  to  inform  you,  that  a  most  san- 
guinary battle  was  fought  on  the  evening  of  the  25th  inst. 
near  Chippewa.  General  Drummond  came  up  with  a  large 
reinforcement  from  Kingston,  and  immediately  moved  up 
against  our  army  with  a  force  nearly  double  our  number. 
The  battle  commenced  about  seven  o'clock  in,  the  even- 
ing, and  continued  until  near  eleven.  Our  army  behaved 
most  gallantly,  fought  to  desperation — but  the  enemy 
were  too  numerous  for  them.  ^;t  v >^c*-^?*fll^^s'^?'^"- 
•  The  whole  of  the  enemy's  artillery  was  twice  taken 
and  retaken.  The  slaughter  on  both  sides  was  dreadful. 
Our  first  brigade  was  almost  annihilated.  But  one  field 
officer,  in  the  whole  brigade,  escaped  death  or  severe 
wounds.  General  Brown  and  General  Scott  were  both 
severely  wounded.  One  of  General  Brown's  aids  was 
mortaMy  wounded,  and  both  of  General  Scott's  severely. 
Major  M'Farland,  of  the  25th,  was  killed.  Ct)lonel  Brady, 
Majors  M'Neill,  Levenworth,  Brooke,  Jessup,  and  many 
other  worthy  officers,  wounded.  It  is  impossible  to  say 
what  is  the  full  extent  of  our  loss.  A  small  proportion  of 
our  wounded  feJ!  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  besides,  I 
fear,  several  prisoners.  The  enemy  were  so  severely  cut  to 
pieces,  that  they  did  not  pursue  our  army.  Several  most 
brilliant  charges  were  made  by  General  Scott's  brigade. 
The  enemy's  lines  were  completely  broken,  and  upwards 
of  two  hundred  prisoners  made,  among  whom  are  Major 


;  i;'«-^.-lV"A- 


/ 1*    •     *'■'-■ 


L 


A' 


M 


,t,yua'/», 


General  Rial  and  suite,  one  of  General  Drummond's  aids, 
and  fifteen  other  officers.  The  prisoners  are  now  here. 
General  Rial  badly  wounded.  I  cannot  say  for  certainty, 
but  I  presume  the  remnant  of  our  army  will  immediately 
recross  the  Niagara.  Please  excuse  my  hasty  scrawl.  My 
time  has  been  so  much  engrossed  in  at  listing:  to  render 
the  wounded  comfortable,  that  I  have  but  a  moment  to 
write.  I  will  give  you  more  particulars  by  the  next  mail. 
We  shall  lose  the  services  of  General  Brown  and  General 
Scott  for  this  campaign. 

I  have  the  horiour  to  be,  very  respectfully,     >*'" 
<»^i**^^         Your  obedient  servant, 
:^mm^.:x^  ;^p■H^  .  ^       .    •  _  J.  B„  VARNUM.    " 

P.  S.  Our  army  retired  about  two  miles  from  the  battle 
ground,  and  remained  in  good  order  for  the  night  and  yes- 
terday. Our  artillery  and  baggage  is  all  safe.  j.  b.  v. 


,S*i" 


«':*:>;'.' 


"y  '-'t.  *_ 

S!.';,;^_4!#'i 

-  ' 

'.  .'''l^^-;' 

■>  '  '  1 ,; ; 

\  ■*?'rf'jf'   '           •            :■:..: 

■ 

■       ■"■';^*.     "■ 

">■-         -  ''  jj -,, -Sf t.*-         '< 

'  V'           '       . 

.   ,    ■<:*.'  4,.,.  V    •^■'  '■'■ 
■■  ■•'>"'  '      ■■'■  'V 

^^; 


■■#■ 


:  »»•/••'■  tf^SK.'-r;- 


•C^* 


^»«f;'-n*<' 


/"■     . 


'"-^■r 


L 


':«■!' 


I'        V. 


t^ii|f^.(4*j3*#,;  •,  •    ' 


i^^l^:>^mM^^'iy  '' 


The  Secretary  at  fFar  to  Major  Qenetal  George  Izard, 


\t  if  i' 


[This  letter  accompanied  J.  B.  Varmim's  etter  to  the  secretary^  en- 
closed in  the  same  envelope  wr.h  thai  of  the  2d  of  AugU8t.3 

CPnvate.— .Ouplicate.)  J  ..     • 

^^p    War  Defianmeni,  July  2?iAj  1»14.  ' 


"■M 


SIK, 


«  If  Gesicral  Brown's  movements  have  produced  large 
detachinc:<\^s  from  Montreal  (»s  is  stated)  ^me  ei»t;;rpitise 
on  your  part,  men-icing;  ro  tl  at  place,  or  to  some  other 
higher  up  the  8t,  L^v^tnce,  would  be  proper.  Of  these 
points,  Prescot  wouid  be  *ic  best,  from  the  relation  a 
movemenii;  in  il>Js  direct' :,nj  asd  apparently  with  this 
object,  would  bear  to  «hRi  which  follows,  viz.  Should 
Chauncey  be&t  aiid  cripple  Yeo,  ind  drive  him  into 
Kington,  we  should  gain  little  but  honour.  If  merely 
blockaded,  he  \'dll  soon  refit,  and,  when  his  new  bhip  is 
rivr»d!y,  come  out  and  turn  the  tables  upon  us.  Though  I 
uudcrsland  a  mere  blockade  of  this  kind  is  all  that  (even 
in  the  £  'srcumstance  of  victory)  enters  into  the  commo- 
dore's plm  of  operations.  We  must  endeavour  to  give  to 
these  a  character  more  decisive.  A  jurxtion  between  you, 
Gaines  aad  himself  may  be  the  means  employed.  Arrived 
at  Ogdensburg,  you  may  be  embarked,  and  carried  up,  by 
the  inner  channel,  to  a  point  near  Kingston,  while  the  fleet 
attackfi  *ni  face  of  the  harbour.  I  throw  out  these  hints 
for  your  consideration,  and  (if  nothing  oppose)  for  your 
adoption.  Should  vou  make  this  movement,  your  stores 
shouki  be  placed  as  far  from  the  en^my  as  your  water 
communication  admits,  and  covered  by  batteries  or  block- 
houses, and  a  small  but  efficient  corps.  Nor  should  an} 
time  be  lost  in  communiciu'  g  with  Commodore  Chaur 


V4 


%  islSfS 


i^-. 


■'.~ra»'/«»fi>*i^'r^.< 


.  ■    '■  Yv' 


^    ^ 


Izard. 

kary^'cn- 

I8t.] 


, 1814.    f 

d  large 
rprise 

le  other 
)f  these 
lation  a 
ith  this 

Should 
im  into 

merely 

tihip  is 
hough  I 
Eit  (even 
commo- 
>  give  to 
een  you, 
Arrived 
d  up,  by 
the  fleet 
se  hints 
for  your 
jr  stores 
ir  water 
ir  block- 
luld  an* 
rhaur- 


6  5 

cey.  I  did  hope  much  from  his  co-operation  with  General 
3roum:  but  that  has  failed,  and  in  all  probability  the  second 
division  is  now  falling  back  upon  fort  Erie.     "*)■• 

I  am,  ^ir,  very  respectfully,  &c. 


c-\   .:.-■*>■•  :„V^ 


-J  -■■--.,, 


Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  JVar 


SIR, 


Camii  near  Chazy,  Head  Quartette  AugUit  1 1 /A,  1814. 


Your  letter  of  the  2d  August,  (accompanying  a  copy 
of  that  of  the  27th  July  from  you  to  me,  and  one  of  the 
same  date  of  Mr.  J.  B.  Varnum  from  Bufl^lo,)  reached 
me  last  afternoon.  The  original  of  the  missing  despatch 
dated  27th  ultimo,  has  not  come  to  hand. 
"  I  have  sent  two  confidential  officers,  this  day  to  the 
wes>tward;  one  to  Sackett's  Harbour,  with  a  communication 
to  Captain  Chauncey  o£  the  United  States'  navy,  desiring 
to  know  from  him  what  assistance  he  can  furnish  me  with, 
for  the  tr^sportation  of  my  troops  from  Ogdensburg,  in 
the  way  designated  by  you;  and  the  other  to  Ogdensburg, 
to  learn  what  provisions,  artillery  and  land  transportation 
may  be  counted  upon  in  that  quarter. 

I  will  make  the  movemtkit  you  direct,  if  possible;  but 
I  shall  do  it  with  the  apprehension  of  risking  the  force 
under  my  command,  and  with  the  certainty  that  every 
thing  in  this  vicinity,  but  the  lately  erected  works  at  Platts- 
burg  and  Cumberland  Head,  will,  in  less  than  three  days 
after  my  departurr?,  be  m  th*.  possession  of  the  enemy. 
He  is   \\\  fornr    ".perior  to  mine  in  my  front;  he  daily 


\  I 


■■r.';vSM/-'K<"l;' 


'*^m"' 


'".^ 


i,:.: 


66 

threatens  an  attack  on  my  position  at  Champlain;  we  are 
all  in  hourly  expectation  of  a  serious  conflict.  That  he 
has  not  attacked  ua  before  this  time,  is  attributable  ta 
caution  on  his  part,  from  exaggerated  reports  of  our  num- 
bers, and  from  his  expectation  of  reinforcements.  ,  ^ 

You  wiU  ask  why  I  have  changed  my  view  of  this  sub- 
ject since  my  letter  of  the  19th  July?  On  that  day,  I  knew 
of  the  proceedings  at  the  westward  no  more  than  you  had 
communicated  in  the  plan  of  the  campaign,  forwarded  by 
Colonel  Snelling,  and  than  I  had  read  in  the  newspapers. 
The  second  division  was  advancing.  I  had  not  advanced, 
with  the  whole  of  my  disposable  force,  to  the  frontier  line; 
nor  had  I  certain  information. of  what  was  in  my  front;  nor 
did  I  foresee  that  neither  men,  nor  funds  for  the  Quarter- 
master's department,  would  arrive. 

Let  me  not  be  supposed  to  hesitate  about  executing  any 
project,  which  the  government  I  have  the  honour  to  serve 
think  proper  to  direct  My  little  army  will  do  its  duty.  I 
only  desire  to  have  the  difficulties  which  I  have  to  cou' 
tend  with,  properly  understood»i  if  <         -i^ 

It  has  always  t)een  my  convictiotr,  that  the  numerical 
force  ef  the  enemy  has  been  underrated.  I  believe  this  to 
he  the  strong  point  of  our  frontier,  for  either  attack  or  de- 
fence; and  I  know  that  a  British  force  has  been  kept  in 
check  in  Lower  Canada,  for  many  weeks  past,  greatly 
superior  to  that  which  I  could  oppose  to  it.      ^.f  .-\£'^\<  , 

These  things  I  mention,  sir,  because  althougfi  I  antici- 
pate disappointment,  I  will  guard  myself  against  disgrace. 

I  enclose  what  is  believed  to  be  a  correct  statement  of 
the  arrivals  at  Quebec,  from  the  26th  July  to  the  2d  of 
August. 

Yesterday  morning  Captain  Mailloux,  a  Canadian  par- 
tisan of  some  celebrity  on  these  borders,  was  wounded 


*   1 


•'       ■^r.-*-'^.^%^*J!J^;;  '.  -.*^'l 


Ir'. 


67 

and  taken  prisoner  in  a  skirmish  at  our  outposts.  He  died^ 
this  forenoon  at  the  camp  near  Champlain.  An  Indian  was 
killed  of  the  party  under  his  command,  the  rest  escaped. 
We  have,  for  some  days  past,  lost  but  a  couple  of  centinels 
killed  by  skulking  savages.  Our  men  are  in  the  best 
spirits,  but  they  begin  to  ask  for  their  pay.  The  officers 
suffer  from  the  want  of  it. 


M 


M'^%yM^0'-*^  ■••>' 


I  am,  sir,  &c. 


>."'.*-^;;j  f,  V. 


/j*k'- 


I,    '  '  ■  '      '■'.:' 
.,•*      The  Secretary  at  War  tb  Major  General  Izard, 

'   '  I    •  '  War  Department,  Juguat  \0(A,  18  U. 

Should  you  make  a  movement  towards  the  St.  Law- 
rence, in  conformity  to  my  suggestion  of  the  27th  ultimo, 
or  of  that  contained  in  your  letter  of  the  19th,  will  it  not 
be  advisable  to  strengthen  the  several  posts  on  lake  Cham- 
plain,  by  military  detachments?  You  are  authorised  to  call 
on  the  governors  of  New  York,  and  Vermont,  for  this 
species  of  troops,  if  in  your  opinion  they  will  be  necessary. 

I  am^  sir,  &c. 


■:ti-  K-\x.-. 


,-»;'--.-  »  -■  *.-   ■ 


*  Note.  This  was  a  mistake.  Mailloux  lingered  about  a  week  aftrr 
the  date  of  this  letter,  and  died  at  Judge  Moore's  hquse.  His  corpse 
was  given  to  the  enemy,  who  buried  him  in  Canada. 


I  ;  it 
I  i 


.  ■•^^J 


r^y-::,     • 


-,•5!.-/.   ■     :■■■}■•.. 


-i^>   rc'ii';' 


.,.;     ,»"• 


„4:i&,SF' 


a: 


«$. 


«■<%• 


^L. 


t  ,  ' 


The  Same  to  *he  Same. 


SIR, 


If^r  Df/iari/iiertjAugutt  IIM,  1814. 


Your  letter  of  the  31i,t  ultimo  was  received  on  the 
9th  instant. — Our  embarrassments  for  money  are  extreme, 
■which  may  have  occasioned  the  delay  in  paying  off  the 
second  moiety  of  the  bounty.  These  embauuasmc»it:;  were 
foreseen,  when  the  law  giving  increased  bounties  was  in 
progress  througi  the  legislature,  and  many  endeavours 
made,  to  prevent  .heir  prompt  payment;  but  congress  in 
its  wisdom,  thought  only  of  getting  the  men,  without 
looking  forward  to  the  difficulty  of  getting  the  money  to 
pay  them.  What  I  can  do,  has  been  cone.  I  have  or- 
dered the  paymaster  to  make  provision  for  the  case. 

The  ISihand  29th  have  left  Sackett's  Harbour  for  Platts- 
burg,  but  by  what  route  1  do  not  know.  The  strength  of 
both  is  about  five  hundred.  Several  other  detachments 
are  in  march  for  your  head  quarters. 

The  absence  of  officers  from  their  regiments  is  as  un- 
accountable to  mc  as  to  you.  Orders  have  been  long  since 
given,  that  all  not  employed  on  tVie  recruiting  service, 
should  join  their  corps  resnectively  and  \\  ithout  delay. 
Major  Bell  is  now  making  v.<  t  a  \\oi  of  thi  e  engaged  in 
recruiting,  by  comparing  wl.ich  with  your  report  of  such 
as  are  in  the  field,  we  may  ar'  ivv  at  the  names  of  the  ab- 
sentees against  orders. 

I  wish  you  to  accept  the  resignation  of  all  oflpa  ers  whose 
past  conduct  gives  no  pledge  of  future  ^efuliess.  Refer- 
ences to  this  department  are  useless,  on  as  your  In- 
rpector  General,  by  withholding confidcatial r  -ports,  with- 


{ 


\ 


t» 


I18U. 


holds  also  the  means  of  knowing  whether  office      re  worth 

retaining  or  otherwise.     *../v  i 

The  Postmaster  General  will  establish  without  delay 
an  express  mail,  between  your  head  quarters  and  those  of 
the  second  division,  via  Sackett's  Harbour.  It  is  the  Pre- 
sident's wish,  that  a  direct  and  frequent  correspondence 
be  kept  up  between  the  two  divisions,  so  that  each  com- 
manding  officer  be  fully  acquainted  with  the  movements 
of  the  other,  and  both,  with  those  cf  the  fleet,  by  separate 
communications  with  the  commodore.  Until  the  Post- 
master General  shall  have  made  the  above  mentioned  ar- 
rangemtiit,  your  Quartermaster  General  will  provide  ex- 
presses, as  occasion  may  require. 

I  am,  sir,  8cc.       ..     » 


From  the  Same  to  the  Same, 


War  Dejiartmenti  Juguat  13//;,  18U. 


SIR, 


The  mov  -nicnt  suggested  in  my  letter  of  the  27th  ulti- 
mo against  Kingstc  ,  rests  altogether  upon  the  presump- 
tion that  Chaunce)  as  beaten  Yeo,  or  at  least  has  driven 
him  into  port  and  confined  him  there.  If,  hov/ever,  the 
enemy  should  carry  his  force  from  Montreal  to  Kingston, 
(and  his  is  the  shorter  line  of  the  two)  and  be  prepared  to 
meet  you  at  this  new  point,  the  attack  may  be  suspended, 
and  another  safer  movem^iit  substituted  for  it.  This  will 
be  to  embark  two  thousand  men  at  Sackett's  Harbour,  and 
carry  them  up  to  the  west  end  of  the  lake.  United  with 
the  second  division,  you  will  be  al  le  to  reduce  fort  George 
and  Niagara,  and  what  is  of  even  more  importance,  cap- 


■I 


ill 


^1 


70 


^ 


turc  the  whole  of  Drummond's  foree  on  the  Niagara.  We 
have  already  seen  that  Rial,  on  General  Brown's  approach 
to  fort  George,  withdrew  his  main  body  to  Twenty  Mile 
Creek.  Drummond,  when  he  falls  back,  will  pursue  the 
same  policy  and  retire  to  the  same  place,  or  to  Burlington 
Heights.  To  defeat  this,  these  heights  should  be  seized 
by  you.  This  will  compel  him  to  take  a  position  at  fort 
George,  and  abide  the  fall  of  that  place  or  of  a  battle;  it 
will  completely  sever  his  communication  with  York  and 
Kingston  by  land,  as  well  as  by  water,  and  deprive  him  of 
the  resources  of  the  neighbouring  country.  From  thi^ 
point  of  debarkation,  your  movoments  will  be  made  in 
concert  with  Brigadier  General  Gaines,  who  commands  the 
division  of  the  left.  Commodore  Chauncey  will  be  in- 
structed by  the  secretary  of  the  navy,  on  this  plan  of  ope< 
rations.  It  remains  to  say  a  word  or  two,  with  regard  to 
the  residuary  part  of  your  corps.  May  not  this  be  left  at 
Sackett's  Harbour,  with  advantage?  Will  it  not  compel  the 
enemy  to  keep  a  large  force  at  Kingston?  Can  any  other 
point  be  menaced  with  more  effect?  On  the  project  of 
taking  post  on  the  St.  Lawrenge,  there  is  a  great  draw- 
back, from  the  difficulty  we  shall  find  in  subsisting,  and 
if  occasion  should  arise,  in  supporting  it.  It  is  very  dis- 
tinctly my  opinion,  that  it  has  become  good  policy  on  our 
part,  to  carry  the  war  as  far  to  the  westward  as  possible, 
particularly  while  we  have  an  ascendency  on  the  lakes. 
Were  a  post  taken  at  the  narrows  and  on  our  side  of  the 
river,  it  would  immediately  produce  one  on  that  of  the 
enemy,  and  sufficiently  near  Vermont,  to  have  the  whole 
benefit  of  the  shameful  traffic  carried  on  by  many  of  its 
inhabitants. 

In  this  proposed  translation  of  your  force  ..from  lake 
Champlain,  immediate  attention  will  be  necessary  to  your 


71 

deposit  of  provisions.  Those  on  lake  Ontario  and  its 
waters  should  be  multiplied  and  increased,  while  those  on 
lake  Champlain  should  be  lessened  both  in  number  and 
quantity. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 
tw3^/Ss.v     +.^  vi»J     Your  most  obedient,  '  *■ '  ' 

i'*i    {><(>        .1  r?^   ♦   and  very  humble  servant,        "' 
'^•:^i5-:'i^^;,f4<?^'-r'l  •>''^'^^  jivjXi'^'^'A'  J.  ARMSTRONG.  ■'' 

NoTB.  The  object  of  the  /iretent  publication  it  not  !•  criminate 
public  functionaries,  but  to  throw  lighten  an  interesting;  period  of  our 
national  history.  To  judge  sanely  of  the  expediency  of  military  ope- 
rations, dates  as  well  as  distances  must  be  attended  to.  On  the  13th 
August,  (the  date  of  the  foregoing  letter,)  Brigadier  General  Gaines 
was  closely  invested  at  fort  Erie,  by  a  British  army  under  General 
Drummond;— on  the  night  of  the  Uth— 1 5th  August,  the  assault  took 
place,  in  which  our  troops  gallantly  repelled  the  enemy.  On  the  30th 
(the  day  when  the  secretary's  letter  reached  General  Izard)  the 
siege  of  the  American  intrenchments  was  progressing.  The  dis- 
tance  from  Champlain  to  fort  Erie,  a  vol  d'oiaeau  is  about  three  hun- 
dred miles;— by  the  nearest  practicable  route,  considerably  more  than 
four  hundred  miles* 


',  ^■. 


v«- 


'■'',  Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  War* 

Can^  near  CAazy,  Augu*t  30/A,  1814. 


-'-."■  •<     .V-      ''.'•• 


SIR, 

My  last  of  the  llth  instant  will  have  informed  you,  that 
I  had,  immediately  on  receiving  yours  of  the  27th  ultimo, 
taken  measures  to  execute  the  movement  you  have 
directed.  I  this  day  received  your  despatch  of  the  12th  of 
August,  by  express  from  Albany.  ^  . 

Deficient  as  I  am  in  the  means  of  transportation,  with 


L/l 


"~^,. 


;:^:^;t'S^j 


"l&iXtt 


r'-yfH  "■><•?:  j-irt^TK  ''Or'Vf 


72 

an  enemy  in  superior  force  immediately  before  me,  with 
but  one  road  to  move  upon,  I  need  make  no  excuse  for 
delay  in  executing  the  order  given  to  me.  It  v/ill  yet  be 
four  or  five  days  before  I  can  proceed  with  my  division. 

I  must  not  be  responsible  for  the  consequences  of  aban- 
doning my  present  strong  position.  I  will  obey  orders, 
and  execute  them  as  well  as  I  know  how. 

Major  General  Brisbane  commands  at  Odeltown,  he  is 
said  to  have  between  five  and  six  thousand  men  '"'ithhim. 
At  Chambly  are  stated  to  be  about  four  thousand. 

Enclosed  is  the  report  of  Colonel  Gumming,  Adjutant 
General,  whom  I  sent  to  Ogdensburg.  I  have  yet  heard 
nothing  from  Sackett's  Harbour. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


The  Same  to  the  Same. 


\ 


(•>, 


.'^.. 


SIR, 


Camfi  near  Cfiazy,  jiugust  23(/,  1814. 


Major  General  Brisbane,  commanding  the  advance 
of  the  British  army  in  Lower  Canada,  wrote  to  me  some 
days  ago  on  the  subject  of  the  shooting  of  sentinels  and 
solitary  individuals  near  our  respective  positions;  and  pro- 
posing to  establish  a  rule  on  this  subject  similar  to 
European  practice.  To  this  I  answered,  that  not!iing 
would  give  me  more  satisfaction,  than  to  carry  on  the  war 
on  this  frontier,  in  an  honourable  and  soldier-like  manner 
but  that  he  would  find  on  enquiry,  this  shameful  practice 
had  not  been  commenced  by  the  American  troops.  His 
expressions  to  the  ofiicer  who  bore  my  answer  wore 
liberal,  and  he  mentioned  his  intention  of  ordering  his  In- 


■^»^' ,^A«»Hn 


'M 


i-»','-'^».^.^*i'' 


dians  into  the  rear.  We,  the  following  day,  made  one  of 
these  wretches  prisoner;  he  is  sent  to  Plattsburg,  and 
sbirfl  go  on  to  Greenbush.  On  the  21st,  notwithstanding 
these  fair  ^eches,  a  sentry  of  ours  was  fired  upon  by 
some  creeping  savages  or  soldiers,  and  two  balls  lodged 
in  his  cap.     The  man  is  not  hurt. 

Yesterday  a  letter  and  packet  were  brought  me  from 
the  same  oifficer,  announcing  that  one  of  his  subalterns 
had  taken  from  a  tax  collector  in  Vermont,  near  the  lines, 
a  sum  of  money  said  to  be  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 
one  dollars,  which  he  now  returned,  not  considering  such 
proceedings  as  according  with  the  agreement  he  ha  dpro- 
posed.  I  have  turned  the  money,  which  was  found  to 
amount  to  the  sum  mentioned,  into  the  hands  of  the  Quar- 
termaster General,  who  will  pay  it  to  the  tax-collector,  a 
resident  on  Grande  Isle  of  the  name  of  Adams. 

The  road  through  Chateaugay-Four-Comers  to  Parish- 
ville,  is  scarcely  passable  for  horses.  The  enemy  have 
opened  that  which  leads  from  their  lower  settlements .  to 
that  place,  and  I  understand  are  collecting  a  force  in  that 
direction.  Were  I  attacked  m  that  wilderness,  with  a  long 
cohimn  of  infantry  and  baggage,  the  consequences,  not- 
withstanding every  human  exertion,  might  be  deplorable. 
The  idea  of  turning  our  backs  on  the  enemy  is  scarcely 
less  unpleasant.  But  the  alternative  was  decided  in  my 
own  mind.  However,  to  prevent  grumbling,  though  by 
no  means  an  admirer  of  councils  of  war,  I  wrote  the  en- 
closed note,  which  was  some  hours  afterwards  returned 
with  the  opinion  of  which  I  send  you  the  original.* 

*  Note.  The  council  of  war  was  composed  of  the  following  officers, 
viz:  Brigadiers  General  Macomb,  Smith,  and  Bissell,  Colonel  dim- 
ming, Adjutant  General,  Colonel  Drayton,  Inspector  General,  and 
Major  Rees,  Deputy  Quartermaster  General.  1  he  question:  "  Wc 
are  to  move  to  Sackett's  Harbour — Shall  we  proceed  by  Chateaugay, 


l/| 


■ii-^'i- 


,.■^         X.  ■-■ 


■'::"%»<«;w-.'  *-- 


»  tl- 


'    \ 


74 

By  Schenectady  then  we  go.  Some  difficulty  necessarily 
presents  itself  on  account  of  supplies  and  transportation; 
but  in  the  course  of  a  very  few  days,  or  more  properly 
speaking,  as  soon  as  the  quartermaster  and  contractor  in- 
form me  they  ate  ready,  I  march  with  4000  active  men. 
I  shall  take  no  artillery,  expecting  to  find  what  I  want  on 
Lake  Ontario.  All  my  sick  and  convalescents,  and  about 
1200  effisctives,  will  garrison  Piatt's  Point  and  Cumberland 
Head.  Brigadier  General  Macomb  will  be  left  in  com- 
mand there.  All  this,  however,  is  only  in  the  supposition 
that  we  shall  not  be  attacked,  a  contingency  by  no  meSns 
unlikely.* 

Your  letter  of  the  10th  instant,  authorising  me  to  call 
out  the  militia,  was  yesterday  received,  and  I  have  required 
of  Major  General  Moers,  commanding  that  description  of 
force  in  this  part  of  the  country,  to  assemble  without  delay 
one  regiment  of  infantry  and  one  troop  of  light  dragoons, 
organized  and  equipped  according  to  law,  at  the  village  of 
Chazy;  rifle  companies  to  be  accepted  as  a  portion  of  the 
infantry.  . 

I'he  inhabitants  are  in  consternation, — and  Capt.  Mac- 
donough  will  be  obliged  to  go  up  the  Lake  near  Cumber- 
land Head. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  hr.. 


^%\' 


Ogdensburg  and  the  right  bank  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  or  by  the  south 
end  of  lake  George  and  Schenectady?"  T/ic  answer^  (signed  by  all  and 
stated  to  be  unanimous,)  "  By  Schenectady." 

•  It  was  devoutly  prayed  for  by  the  whole  army. 


#'     «**!?:  ^.'•  '^fc''v:  ;mj 


;"'''    ;  ;,^-'-;^'«vi;r.f-ijpf.  ,    \nil;i"*~' 


■'*'•. 


75 


]'•■ 


;  e 


7%e  iSamj?  fo  the  Same, 


SIR, 


Head  of  Lake  George^  \at  Sefitembert  1814. 


On  the  29th  instant  the  troops  at  Champlain  and  Chazy 
commenced  their  march  in  this  direction.  On  the  29th,  I 
waited  at  Plattsburg  till  the  rear  of  the  last  column  had 
left  that  village;  and  having  passed  them  on  the  road,  I  ar- 
riveu  here  yesterday.  The  whole  division,  consisting  of 
dragoons,  light  artillery,  (armed  as  infantry,)  the  4th,  5th, 
10th,  12th,  13th,  14th,  15th,  16th,  and  45t.h  infantry, 
(making  a  total  of  about  four  thousand  effectives)  will  be 
at  this  place  on  Saturday,  3d  September. — The  transpor- 
tation delays  us.  Oxen  are  necessarily  employed,  as  there 
ars  not  horses  sufficient  for  the  purpose,  and  they  move 
very  slowly  over  this  rough  country.  I  hope  that  they  will 
reach  Glenn's  Falls  on  the  4th. — From  thenc^j  they  will 
tal  ■■')  the  road  which  I  shall  learn  to  be  the  best  to  Sackett's 
Hi  ''ijour.  There  may  be  a  good  one  by  Johnstown;  but  I 
have  yet  no  correct  information  on  the  subject. 

I  wrote  by  express,  before  I  left  Chazy,  to  Commodore 
Chauncey,  that  I  expected  to  be  at  Sackett's  Harbour  on 
the  13th  September,  and  that  I  should  be  glad  to  embark 
my  troops  immediately  on  their  arrival.  It  is  now  doubtful 
if  we  can  be  there  so  soon;  but  I  will  take  care  to  give  him 
accurate  information  of  our  approach. 

I  am,  &c. 


/I 


\  .'I 


*; 


^.  I 


.■.■•-'■\i^ 


$: 


•:  f* 


i  J 


^ 


\    i 


r 


SIR, 


74 


The  Same  to  the  ^Samc. 


Schenectady,  JVewYork,  Sefitember  fthf  1814. 


On  the  morning  of  the  5th  instant  the  troops,  having 
rested  twenty-four  hours  atthesouthendofLakeGeor,ge, 
resumed  their  march  for  Sackett's  Harbour.  I  had  oppor- 
tunities of  acquiring  better  information  respecting  the 
road  by  Johnstown  than  when  I  last  wrote  on  the  subject, 
and  in  consequence  gave  the  columns  another  direction, 
which  will  considerably  lessen  the  distance.  To-morrow 
they  will  halt  at  Johnstown; — from  thence  they  will  pro- 
ceed to  Remsen;  sixty  miles, — and  from  the  latter  to 
Sackett's  Harbour,  sixty  more.  As  I  wish  to  bring  thera 
in  fresh  and  ready  for  immediate  service,  we  shall  average 
no  more  than  fifteen  miles  per  day,  unless  advices  from 
Commodore  Chauncey  should  render  a  more  rapid  move- 
ment advisable.  1  have  written  to  that  officer  that  I  am 
desirous  of  embarking  the  division  on  the  moment  of  our 
arrival,  as  success  will  in  a  great  measure  depend  on 
the  promptness  with  which  we  shall  reach  the  point  of 
attack. 

Copies  of  intercepted  letters  from  Sir  George  Prevost 
to  Lieutenant  General  Drummond,  of  the  26th  August, 
were  forwarded  to  me  by  express  from  Colonel  Mitchell, 
and  lead  to  the  belief  that  we  may  arrive  on  the  Niagara 
before  the  reinforcements  from  Kii^ston  and  Montreal 
shall  have  joined  the  British  army.  Every  thing  however 
will  depend  upon  the  readiness  of  the  fleet  to  convey  us. 
Not  having  received  in^ructions  from  you  since  those 
dated  the  J  2th  of  August,  and  the  aspect  of  affairs  having 
materially  changed  since  the  advices  you  were  at  that  date 


A* 


^4 


■  .wwpt-' 


■  ^■f\ 


■',*r'-'  '  **■:•■  >T 


r-<,- 


V   •►-r,Tv-">'! 


77 

possessed  of,  I  shall  be  under  the  necessity  of  govemiog 
myself  by  the  information  I  shall  obtain  at  Sackett's  Har- 
bour, to  which  place  I  shall  hasten  after  seeing  the  troops 
at  Johnstown  to-morrow.  On  the  14th  or  15th  instant  at 
latest,  they  will  overtake  me. 

I  have,  &c. 


Major  General  Izard  to  Captain  Chaunceyy  commanding 
U.  3.  Naval  Forces  on  Lake  Ontario. 


''1 


SIR, 


First  Bivmvnt  JVorthem  ^rmy,  H.  Q.  Chazy^ 
August  Wth,  1816. 


I  HAVE  received  instructions  from  the  Secretary  at  War 
to  communicate  with  you  freely  and  frequently. — A  move- 
ment of  the  force  under  my  command  (preparatory  to  a 
junction  with  some  of  the  troops  on  Lake  Ontario  and  a 
co-operation  with  the  naval  armament  in  ulterior  measures 
against  the  enemy)  is  designated.  Ogdensburg  is  men- 
tioned as  the  place  which  I  should  occupy  in  the  first 
instance, — from  thence  to  embark  and  be  carried  up  by 
the  inner  channel  to  a  point  in  Canada,  while  the  fleet  at- 
tacks in  face  of  the  harbour. 

Should  it  be  possible  to  reach  with  my  army  the  banks 
of  the  St.  Lawrence,  I  have  tc  ask  of  you  information  re- 
specting the  means  of  transportation  by  water,  in  con- 
formity with  the  secretary's  project.  Colonel  Suelling,  In- 
spector General  in  the  army,  will  deliver  you  this  letter 
and  will  receive  your  answer,  as  well  as  such  confidential 
communications  as  you  may  think  proper  to  make  me. 


>i 


■■va^iriian; 


:  ;  ■  ,t 


7i 

He  is  authorised  to  give  you  information  respecting  my 
situation  and  strength.  ^      i 

^  -    =:i  '    -^ .  5#%    I  am,  sir,  respectfully,  &c. 


Ab^tf.— Th  3  Commodore's  answer  to  the  above  letter 
is  mislaid.  It  contained  a  statement  of  the  difficulties 
which  would  attend  the  navigation  up  the  St.  Lawrence, 
in  consequence  of  the  want  of  vessels  adapted  to  it,  the 
enemy  !iaving  secured  all  the  small  craft  from  the  lake 
downwards.      ;  -     > 


SIR, 


T/ie  Same  to  the  Same, 


JI.  Q.  near  C/iazy,  August  28th,  18  U. 


On  comparing  the  inconveniences  attending  the  march 
of  troops  from  this  place  to  Sackett's  Harbour  by  Malone, 
and  by  Utica,  I  have  determined  on  taking  the  latter 
route.  I  hope  to  be  at  Sackett's  Harbour  with  four 
thousand  men  on  the  15th  September;  this  however  will 
very  much  depend  on  the  state  of  the  roads  and  on  the 
weather.  If  the  expedition  to  the  head  of  lake  Ontario 
should  continue  to  be  the  order  of  government,  the  sooner 
we  embark  after  our  arrival  the  more  success  we  may  look 
lor,,  I  shall  take  care  to  advise  you  of  our  approach,  and 
shall  have  great  pleasure  in  making  the  acquaintance  of  an 
officer  for  whom,  Sec.  &c.  . 


U'v 


•  '^!,M~^ 


~^. 


-"■ftB^ 


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K*'.-rf.^S<-',J'l.i>:    ».".>>■    ,T(.-^  ^,..-.f-  *■»— F-    ■  y  '■'•■J--   • 


79 


Commodore  Chauncey  to  Major  General  Ixard. 

U.  S.  ahifi  Suficrior,  ofKingtton,  Wth  Sefitembett  1814. 
SIR> 

I  WAS  yesterday  honoured  with  your  letter  of  the  Seth 
ultimo,  by  Major  Brown. — I  am  pleased  that  you  move 
direct  for  Sackett's  Harbour,  as  the  route  by  Ogdens- 
burg  would  have  been  attended  with  many  difficulties. 

The  fleet  under  my  command  shall  be  in  a  state  of 
preparation  to  receive  the  troops  as  soon  as  they  ar. 
rive. 

.     .  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  8cc. 


i  1 


n 


SIR, 


The  Same  to  the  Same. 


U.  S.  Shifi  Sufierior  (Lake  Ontario)  IdtA  St/it.  1814. 


Your  favour  of  the  13th  was  this  day  handed  to  me  by 
Major  Brown.  I  hope  to  anchor  the  fleet  at  Stoney  Island 
(eight  miles  from  Sackett's  Harbour)  between  this  and 
to-morrow  morning.  If  you  will  do  me  the  honour  to 
step  on  board  the  Lady  of  the  Lake,  and  visit  me  at  my 
anchorage,  I  shall  feel  particularly  flattered,  and  I  will 
have  the  pleasure  of  communicating  to  you  all  the  infor- 
mation that  I  possess  respecting  the  preparations  of  the 
enemy  at  Kingston. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 


it 


-I 


1 


'*'.^"'-  '"- 


-jfiit^iV-^***'"^''  -    ■f-  ■-*i^' 


'« 


80 


Mi^j&r  Oeneral  Ixard  to  Commodore  Chtumeey. 


SIR, 


September  \6th. 


m  i' 


:  f 


Majoi  Brown  has  juat  now  delivered  to  me  yonr  note 
of  this  date,  i  regret  that  mine,  of  which  he  was  die  bearer, 
did  not  reach  you  twentjr-foor  hours  sooner,  as  I  should 
then  have  been  able  to  accept  your  obliging  invitaticm  to 
visit  you  on  board  ot  the  fleet;  but  the  troops  have  this 
morning  arrived,  and  my  presence  here  is  at  present 
indispensable. 

Until  the  last  communication  which  has  been  made  me 
by  Major  General  Brown,  under  date  the  11th  instant,  I 
was  impressed  with  the  belief  that  an  expedition  might 
be  undertaken  with  success  to  the  head  of  the  lake,  which 
might  embrace,  among  other  objects,  the  attack  of  fort 
Niagara.  But  it  seems  that  he  is  very  closely  pressed  by 
the  enemy  in  his  position,  and  considers  the  arrival  of  my 
division  to  his  relief  as  of  the  utmost  importance.  In  this 
view,  it  has  become  my  duty  to  hasten  to  his  assistance, 
and  to  proceed  with  the  leist  possible  delay  to  Buf&lo. 
The  only  doubt  remaining  is,  whether  the  transportatiou 
of  my  force  by  water  to  th?  mouth  of  Genesee  river,,  or  to 
some  other  point  in  that  vicinity,  will  expedite  my  move- 
ment more  than  a  continuance  of  my  march  by  land.  In 
either  case^  the  train  of  the  army  must  be  sent  to  Onon« 
dago,  as  so  many  horses  cannot  be  conveyed  in  the  vessels 
provided  here.  The  uncertainty  as  to  the  time  of  arrival, 
should  we  go  by  water,  is  balanced  by  the  greater  fatigue 
incident  to  the  length  and  badness  of  the  route.  Permit 
me  then  to  rest  my  decision  upon  the  answer  to  this  ques- 
tion which  I  beg  leave  to  propose  to  you; — whether  the 


\l6th. 


81 

naval  means  at  your  command  are  sufficient,  and  prepared 
to  take  on  board  four  thousand  men,  on  the  morning  of 
the  18th  instant  (the  day  after  to-morrow)  and  convey 
them  to  the  mouiih  of  Genesee  river'  -If  your  opinion  be 
in  the  affirmative,  the  troops  will  be  rt.dy  for  embarkation 
at  sun-rise  on  that  day; — if  it  should  be  otherwise,  we  shall 
march  to-morrow  afternoon,  or  the  following  morning. 
Accept,  sir,  the  assurance  of  respect,  8cc. 


'    I 


From  Commodore  Chauncey  to  Major  General  Izard. 


SIR, 


U,  S.  S/ii/i  Su/ieriory  off  Stoney  laland^ 

Friday  Evening,  16/A  Sefit.  1814. 


TwAs  this  evening  honoured  with  your  favour  of  this 
day's  date,  and  in  answer  to  the  question  therein  pro- 
pounded, *'  Whether  the  naval  means  at  my  command 
are  sufficient,  and  prepared  to  take  on  board  four  thousand 
men  on  the  morning  of  the  18  th  instant,  and  carry  them 
to  the  mouth  of  Genesee  river,"  I  answer,  that  the  naval 
force  under  my  comm?nd  (and  on  this  station)  is  nc"  suf- 
ficient to  receive  four  thousand  men;  but  all  the  means 
that  I  have  shall  be  ready  to  receive  as  many  of  your 
troops,  on  the  morning  of  the  18th,  as  we  can  accommo- 
date, and  transport  them  to  Genesee  river,  or  any  other 
point  on  lake  Ontario,  that  you  may  wish  to  land  them  at. 
Probably  the  vessels  that  are  at  present  in  this  vicinity 
could  accommodate  from  fifteen  hundred  to  two  thousand 
men.  You  will  judge  whether  it  is  advisable  to  separate 
your  force  or  not.  At  any  rate,  I  have  ordered  the  ve-i^-els 
cruising  oflP  Prcsque  Isle  to  rejoin  me  immediately;  anu  I 


"  ^d 


'  '"*^*2?^»*^^'**'*«li;^L£' 


U/*,.' 


■^^:C\ 


■>  Fv 


82 

shall  run  into  the  Harbour  with  this  fleet  to-morrow 
morning,  and  be  prepared  to  t.u\n6  you  every  assistance 
within  my  power.  ,         . 

1  have  the  honour,  &c. 


■  V  ' 

Major  General  Izard  to  Commodore  Chauncey. 


\M 


SIR, 


/f.  Q.  Sackett's  Harbour^ Sefit.  17,  1814. 


The  army  will  move  at  sun-rise  to-morrow  morning. 
As  many  of  the  troops  as  can  be  received  on  board  of 
vessels  will  be  embarked  in  such  manner  as  you  shall 
deem  most  convenient.  The  rest  will  proceed  by  land. 

I  have  the  honour,  Sec. 


Commodore  Chaunccy  tv  Major  General  Izard. 


Superior,  Sunday f  I8(h  Sejit,  p.  m. 


DEAR  SIR, 


It  is  impossible  to  embark  the  troops  so  long  as  the 
weather  continues  so  boisterous.  The  moment  that  it 
moderates  I  will  cause  the  fleet  to  be  prepared  for  the 
reception  of  the  troops,  and  inform  you  when  they  are 
ready. 

Boats  at  this  season  will  be  found  troublesome,  and 
will  retard  the  fleet,  unless  we  should  be  so  fortunate 
as  to  be  favoured  with  a  fine  wind. 

I  have,  &c.  &c. 


Major  General  Tzard  to  Commodore  Chauncey. 


S.  H.  September  ISrA,  1814. 

DEAR  SIR) 

I  NEED  make  no  apology,  I  am  sure,  to  you  for  the 
anxiety  1  feel  to  move  to  the  westward.  Voar  re; ''"less 
to  assist  me  in  this  object  I  am  convinced  of.  All 
then  to  consult  you  with  regard  to  the  most  exi  ^di      i^ 
mode  of  transporting  my  force  to  the  relief  of  1 
Your  long  acquaintance  with  this  climate,  as  well  as 
professional  eminence,  give  to  your  opinion  a  weight  wincii 
justifies  my  reliance  on  it;  and,  short  as  is  our  acquaint, 
ance,  I  shall  be  fluttered  if  you  would  communicate  it  as 
to  one  whom  you  believe  to  have  confidence  in  your  good 
win  and  judgment. 

Do  you  think  that  I  can  move  the  troops  I  have  brought 
on  (setting  out  as  soon  as  this  conflict  of  the  elements  shall 
cease)  more  quickly  by  waiting  a  day  or  two  for  the  con- 
veyance by  water,  through  the  aid  of  your  fleet,  than  I 
can  do  by  land?  You  will  suppose  me,  if  you  please,  fur- 
nished  with  all  the  wagons  and  horses  that  I  have  occasion 
for. 

This  mod6  of  treating  on  matters  of  public  service, 
after  the  lessons  those  engaged  in  them  have  received, 
may  appear  indiscreet.  I  hope  you  will  see  in  it  nothing 
more  than  the  unaffected  expression  of  my  earnestness  to 
obtain  an  object,  which  I  believe  important,  and  of  the 
respect  and  esteem  with  which  I  am,  sir,  Sec. 


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■'*W^^,^^vi-^f 


.ii^,!,H$.««t      yr^-' 


CiftnmodQre  Qlig^ncey  to  Major  General  Izard. 


'  i> W    ^'  '^'  ^'")^  Superior^  Sackttfa  Harbour^ 

\9th  Slefit.  1814. 


DEAR  SIR, 


■<n'l.^^r>    .»i;v^^  "     V- 


>-l   ,     !• 


The  fleet  will  be  ready  to  receive  your  troops  at  11 
o'clock,  A.  M.  Boats  will  be  ready  near  the  cantonment, 
arranged  agreeably  to  the  numbers  of  the  vessels.  The 
boats  of  the  Superior,  No.  1,  will  take  the  right  offthe 
line;  Mohawk^  Not  2,  next,  and  so  on  to  the  left. 

Be  pleased  to  give  the  necessary  orders  for  the  troops 
so  to  arrange  themselves,  as  to  conform  to  the  above  ar- 
rangement of  the  boats,  which  will  avoid  much  confusion 
in  the  embarkation.  .,. 

■  I  have,  &c,,^  ;#;|^ J,4^:■"•,i^«> 


I^rom  Major  General  Izard  to  Major  General  Brown, 


SIR, 


Sackett'a  Harbour,  Sefitember  13M,  1814. 


In  consequence  of  orders  from  the  department  of  war, 
I  moved  with  about  four  thousand  men  of  the  army  under 
my  command  from  lake  Champlain  for  this  place.  I  did 
expect,  before  I  arrived  here,  to  have  itceived  further  in- 
structions relatively  to  my  destination.  These  have  not 
reached  me,  and  I  am  left  to  adopt  such  measures  as  ap- 
pear to  me  best  calculated  for  the  advantage  of  the  service. 

The  troops  will  be  here  on  the  15th  or  16th  instant.  It 
will  depend  on  the  naval  preparations  how  soon  afterwards 
we  may  embark.  Should  nothing  intervene  to  alter  my 


^'^^tW 


■^r- 


85 


destination,  I  will  proceed  to  the  head  of  the  lake,  and 
place  myself  in  the  rear  of  the  British  forces  in  your  front. 
Should  the  reinforcements  which  are  destined  for  the 
enemy  not  join  him  before  we  land,  the  happiest  con- 
sequences may  result  from  this  movement. 

I  write  without  having  seen  Commodore  Chauncey, 
who  is  off  Kingston.  I  have  from  him,  however,  the 
promise,  by  letter,  under  date  of  the  11th,  that  his  vessels 
shall  be  ready  to  receive  the  troops  as  soon  as  they  arrive. 

I  cannot  yet  positively , designate  the  point  at  which 
I  shall  disembark,  but  will  give  you  notice  of  every  par- 
ticular as  soon  as  I  can  decide  upon  the  subject.  In  the 
mean  time  I  have  thought  that  it  would  be  satisfactory  to 
you  to  know  that  an  effective  force  is  approaching  to  your 
assistance.  I  shall  be  glad  to  learn  your  precise  situation 
and  strength  as  soon  as  possible,  and  to  have  your  opinion 
i  especting  the  ulterioi  measures  of  the  campaign. 


""^^r         lAj'T 


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V     ^^^iv 


I  am,  sir,  &.c. 


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86 


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From  Major  General  Brawn  to  Major  General  Izard. 
[Received  a  few  hours  after  the  preceding  was  despatched.] 


-^.A,*^ 


SIR, 


n.  Q.  Fort  Ericy  September  lOrA,  Id  14. 


I  H  A  v£  been  expecting  with  much  anxiety  to  hear  from 
you,  and  to  learn  the  aid  that  you  can  afford  this  army. 
My  total  effective  force  does  no|inuch  exceed  two  thousand 
men;  perhaps  I  may  be  able  to  fight,  in  position,  twenty- 
five  hundred.  The  force  of  the  enemy,  which  confines  us 
to  our  works,  is  believed  to  amount  to  four  thousand,  and 
the  90th  or  97th  (the  deserters  say  both  these  regiments) 
is  nigh  at  hand.      '"i^'V  -'^v-    •  >  ' '       '•■''  #" ;  i'^  v--:i,'  :wmi 

I  will  not  conceal  from  you  that  I  consider  the  fate  of 
this  army  very  doubtful,  unless  speedy  relief  is  afforded; 
and  my  opinion  is,  that  the  wisest  course  will  be  to  effect 
a  junction,  by  landing  below  Niagara,  marching  on  the 
American  side  of  the  strait,  and  crossing  over  from 
Buffalo.  Will  your  force  be  s  as  to  insure  relief  to  this 
army  if  you  land  on  the  Britkoii  side?  Our  united  forces 
would,  I  have  no  doubt,  be  competent  to  drive  Drum- 
mond  from  the  field,  and  perhaps  capture  him.  Whatever 
may  be  your  plans  of  operations,  be  so  good  as  to  make 
me  acquainted  with  them,  so  that  I  may  know  how  to 
calculate.  Your  orders  will  be  received  and  obeyed  with 
pleasure. 

General  Porter  has  assembled  say  three  thousand  mili- 
tia. It  remaiins  to  be  seen  if  they  can  be  made  useful. 
Very  respectfully,  sir,  &c. 


^-  I  r 


■.\^ 


'■ya^'' 


87 


■   '  _;i0i'-i      •■■ib'v'^'^^- 


4  ^^«^,iisSv 


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v:*^'' 


SIR, 


i^!f|^.  0-  Fort  Erie,  Sefit.  IIM,  18U. 


I  HAVE  nothing  new  of  importance  to  communicate,  and 
by  the  return  of  the  express,  think  propfr  to  say  so  for 
your  satisfaction.  We  have  received  but  few  shot  or  shells 
from  the  enemy  within  the  two  last  days.  Many  deserters 
come  in,  who  state  that  the  enemy's  supply  is  exhausted, 
but  that  they  expect  to  be  resupplied  witliin  a  short  time. 
There  is  no  doubt  but  that  they  are  erecting  additional 
batteries.  General  Porter  has  succeeded  in  getting  over 
about  one  thousand  of  his  militia; — more  are  expected  to 
cross.  Should  you  deem  it  proper  to  pass  rapidly  to  this 
theatre  of  war,  I  do  not  doubt  but  that  it  will  be  in  your 
power  to  carry  every  thing  within  the  peninsula.  However 
if,  W'!h  the  aid  of  the  fleet  and  the  forces  at  Sackett's 
Harbour,  you  can  succeed  in  carrying  Kingston,  you  will 
accomplish  a  much  more  important  object.  In  the  execu- 
tion of  any  plan  you  will  find  me  disposed  to  exert  myself, 
and  I  am  convinced  that  the  remains  of  my  gallant  army 
will  do  their  duty  under  any  circumstances.  I  shall  be 
happy  to  receive  your  orders,  and  be  made  acquainted 
with  your  plan  of  operations.  - 

:    My  command  must  find  relief  in  some  way,  before  many 
days.      >^.;.  ■  ,     ,    , 

^,,,  u,.^    .", I  am,  sir,  Sec. 

u^  S;        .  .  JACOB  BROWN. 


.*. 


P.  S.  Forts  George  and  Niagara  must  be  nearly  empty. 
It  is  not  probable  that  there  are  many  of  the  enemy's  re- 
gular troops  between  this  and  Kingston.  Their  militia  are 
worse  than  ours.  They  are  good  for  nothing. 


f  (i 


'  ^>1 


«► 


'»J*a^^tsi:.'S:.'.v.:. 


•■(.jj.  . 


'4S^ 


■■  !:'"'t^,T''jfV'  ""*'•*;  *?'f|Sf'.'"f^-'' 


I  ■■  •■, 


\n 


r 


My  private  opinion  is,  that  the  enemy  cannot  bring  into 
the  field  to  exceed  three  thousand  regulars  between  this 
and  Burlington,  unless  the  97th  or  90th  have  arrived.  If 
you  think  proper  to  land  north  of  fort  George,  and  I  could 
know  the  moment  of  your  landing  so  as  to  press  upon  the 
enemy,  it  would  perhaps  be  the  shortest  cut  to  your  ob- 
ject, the  capture  of  Drummond  and  his  army.  He  cannot 
escape,  provided  you  can  promptly  form  a  junction  with 
my  present  command.  We  have  artillery  sufficient  for 
every  object  in  the  field,  and  perhaps  sufficient  for  the 
reduction  of  Niagara. 


''^:-fi 


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I 


V-*^'ji^  ^  ; 


l^i 


Major  Generql  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  fFifr,^ 

■  Sackett'a  Harbour,  Sept.  ir,  18U. 


Yesterday  forenoon  the  division  which  marche^ 
under  my  command  from  the  Champlain  frontier  arrived 
at  this  place.  The  mounted  dragoons  were  halted  at 
Champion,  and  will  be  ordered  to  meet  the  rest  of  the 
troops  at  Batavia; — they  will  march  by  Ononda^o. 

Part  of  the  fleet  under  Commodore  Chauncey  came 
into  this  harbour  within  a  few  hours;  the  remainder  is 
expected  in  the  course  of  the  night.  I  have  seen  the  Com- 
modore for  the  first  time  this  afternoon,  upon  his  coming 
on  shore.  We  shall  embark  about  three  thousand  men  to- 
morrow  morning,  and  proceed  to  the  westward.  Should 
the  winds  favour  us,  my  intention  is  to  land  above  the 
Niagara  river,  in  the  hope  of  intercepting  the  army  under 
Lieutenant  General  Drummond.  If  the  debarkation  in  that 
part  of  the  lake  cannot  take  place  in  forty-eight  hours 
after  sailing  from  hence,  we  will  be  landed  at  the  mouth 


#. 


♦. 


,  ^ 


'!'■' 


89 

of  Genesee  river,  and  hasten  to  the  relief  of  Major  General 
Brown's  force,  which  is  represented  by  him  as  closelj 
pressed. 

The  necessity  for  the  fleet's  returning  to  its  station  near 
Kingston  will  prevent  its  supporting  me  in  Upper  Canada 
for  more  than  a  few  days;  and  without  it,  to  cover  my 
supplies,  I  should  risk  the  almost  only  remaining  regular 
force  on  our  frontier. 

The  defences  of  Sackett's  Harbour  are  miserable.  This 
point,  rendered  important  by  the  scarcity  of  good  harbours 
on  these  waters,  might  with  little  expense  be  rendered 
safe.  It  requires  but  an  able  engineer  to  construct  works 
which,  with  less  than  one  thousand  men,  might  effectually 
protect  the  stores  and  fleet  from  any  attack,  except  by  an 
overwhelming  force  by  land  as  well  as  water.  I  find  here  fif- 
teen hundred  militia,  in  addition  to  the  remnant  of  the  Left 
Division,  consisting  of  Lieut.  Col.  Mitchell's  detachment 
of  field  artillery  (four  hundred  men)  and  a  squadron  of 
dismounted  dragoons.  The  latter  I  take  with  me,  and 
leave  in  their  stead  a  battalion  of  the  13th  infantry,  and 
the  sick  and  weary  of  my  division. 

I  am,  respectfully,  &c.       '  ;  {|f ^i  -  > 


P.  S.  I  have  this  moment  received  a  despatch  from 
Brigadier  General  Macomb,  giving  a  hasty  account  cxf  the 
repulse  of  the  enemy,  on  the  11th  instant,  from  the  works 
near  Plattsburg.  As  I  ordered  the  Brigadier  to  communi- 
cate all  events  of  importance,  after  my  departure,  to  the 
war  department  as  well  as  to  myself,  you  will  of  course 
have  had  an  official  report  of  this  gallant  achievement.— 
Permit  me,  sir,  to  offer  my  congratulations  on  this  further 
decisive  proof,  if  such  were  yet  wanting,  of  the  valour  of 
our  regular  troops,  and  of  the  confidence  which  the  nation 
may  repose  in  them. 

M 


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,i 


i'Vom  Mtf  iSbmtf  to  the  Same, 


SIR, 


/rra</  Quarterti  Saekett*t  Harbour^  Sefit.  18,  1814. 


Last  night  a  violent  storm,  accompanied  by  torrents 
of  rain,  commenced  and  still  rages.  I  despatched  at  dawn 
of  day  a  note  to  Commodore  Chauncey,  who  had  return- 
ed to  his  ship  after  a  conversation  with  me  last  evening,— 
but,  though  anchored  within  a  few  hundred  yards  from 
the  shore,  it  is  reported  to  me  that  no  boat  can  reach  him.  I 
wish  to  learn  his  opinion  respecting  the  continuance  of  this 
tempestuous  weather,  which  some  persons  residing  here  de- 
clare will  last  for  a  fortnight  or  more.  (The  wind  is  at  west, 
so  that  nothing  can  go  out.)  Should  this  be  confirmed,  as 
every  moment  is  precious,  I  will  if  possible  resume  my 
march  to-morrow  towards  Onondago.  The  roads  are 
scarcely  passable;  but  I  have  in  prospect  two  most  im- 
portant objects, — the  relief  of  a  brave  and  valuable  band 
of  tried  warriors  at  fort  Erie,  and  the  possible  discomfiture 
of  the  enemy  who  besieges  them. 

I  am.  Sec, 

■  k;;i^fjf^!-;K':'>  ■:-irh'i^:^iW.-ii'"  ■^0f>>'''  '  '.'i-  ^    u^^  ;.„:'i  •:&;»;: 


v  "j  . 


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•  '"■c .;-.■»,  -4... »■■■  '• 


^.J^if.  -.<.  ^S'-J*ti;aiTiS'0 


•X 


fl 


'.t<f*.:';     "Aii^: 

-.  ..■-"■:'':i;**'i?^/ -f^-;' ■ '.     v'H-      '  ,".>^ii/\-i; 

•:^ 

^^<" ,'  .?^!^f' 

nii                    ■■  ;tf^.  .•    *.1>g*;v>Va  ■^^■^'^^  ^  ;  -Jj.=^6^•;^> 

i               ■(* 

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7%tf  Same  to  the  Same,  -^Mt       ..v-M 

j0^iki'^' 

■ 'f?'  .f;:n.i;: 

• 

**** 

>  <7.  5.  Shifi  Sufieriort  Saekett'n  Harbour^ 

Sefit.  . 0th,  16\4. 

SIR, 

The  storm  having  abated,  I  was  yesterday  forenoon 
informed  by  Commodore  Chauncey,  that  the  fleet  was 
ready  to  receive  the  troops.  Accordingly  the  infantry  de- 
signated for  embarcation,  amounting  to  twenty-five  hun- 
dred men,  were  at  an  early  hour  of  the  evening  distributed 
in  the  various  ships  of  war,  and  in  some  schooners  engaged 
for  the  purpose  by  the  Quartermaster  General.  We  were 
in  hopes  of  being  able  to  get  under  way  in  the  course  of 
the  night  or  this  morning;— -but  the  wind  is  opposed  to 
our  moving.  Not  a  moment  will  be  lost  to  hasten  our 
departure. 

It  was  the  opinion  of  the  naval  commander  that  the. 
employment  of  the  gun -boats  and  other  small  craft  would 
be  both  unsafe  and  productive  of  delay.  In  consequence, 
I  reluctantly  resolved  on  dividing  my  force.  The  regiment 
of  light  artillery  and  the  dismounted  (^^ragoons  marched  for 
Onondago  last  afternoon.  The  squauA^ti  of  mounted  drar 
goons  is  ordered  to  leave  Champion  for  the  same  point. 

For  the  security  of  Sackett's  Harbour,  I  leave,  in  ad- 
dition to  the  artillery  under  Lieut.  Col.  Mitchell,  two 
battalions  of  infantry — the  ISth,  commanded  by  Major 
Malcom,  and  the  45th,  under  Major  Brevoort.  These 
troops,  all  in  good  condition,  and  among  the  best  of  my 
division,  will,  I  trust,  be  sufficient  (with  the  numerous 
militia  already  arrived  and  arriving)  to  guard  the  public 
stores  and  navy  yard. 


i^. 


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I  cannot  learn  with  certainty  whether  the  reinforcements 
ordered  from  Kingston  have  gone  on  to  join  General 
Drumuiond,  nor  whether  they  consist  of  the  90th  and 
97th,  or  of  only  one  of  these  corps.  The  last  accounts 
from  Major  General  Brown  state,  that  both  are  expected 
by  the  enemy. 

;  f  '"      Very  respectfully,  &c. 


I* 


■'■  >(i, 


r. ' 


..!■'.. 


SIR, 


The  Same  to  the  Same,       ,,,,•. 

Mrthem  Armyy  U.  Q.  Butaviot  A*.  Y. 

5</k/.  28,  1814. 


On  the  21st  instant,  the  fleet  under  Commodore 
Chauncey  sailed,  in  the  forenoon,  from  Sackett's  Har- 
bour; and,  the  wind  favouring  us,  we  were  ofi*  the  mouth 
of  Genesee  river  the  next  morning  early.  The  tifoops  were 
all  disembarked  before  night,  and  encamped  near  the  lake. 
£very  exertion  was  used  to  collect  a  sufficient  number  of 
wagons  and  horses  for  the  transportation  of  our  camp 
equipage  and  provisions;  but  our  appearance  being  unex- 
pected, and  that  part  of  the  country  thinly  peopled,  it 
was  not  until  the  24th  that  we  could  resume  our  march. 
Part  of  the.  tents  and  stores  were  unavoidably  left,  to  fol- 
low as  fast  as  means  could  be  procured  for  the  purpose. 
Through  excessively  bad  roads,  and  amidst  continual  and 
heavy  rains,  we  proceeded;  the  officers  of  every  grade, 
with  very  few  exceptions,  being  dismounted.  On  the  26th, 
some  hours  before  night,  the  whole  of  our  corps  arrived 
in  good  spirits  at  this  village,  and  with  a  less  proportion 
of  men  disabled  for  immediate  duty  than  could,  under  such 
circumstances,  have  been  expected. 


\^\s 


It  was  not  until  I  had  been  here  part  of  a  day  that 
I  received  a  letter  from  General  Brown,  for  the  first  time 
since  we  sailed  from  Sackett's  Harbour.  His  messenger 
had  sought  me  at  the  Eighteen  Mile  Creek  and  at  Genll- 
see  river.  The  successful  sortie  of  the  17th,  which  I  now 
learnt,  would  have  induced  me  to  remain  on  the  Ridge 
Road,  in  order  to  approach  fort  Niagara  with  less  fatigue 
to  the  men.  The  want  of  artillery,  however,  would  have 
rendered  the  attack  impracticable,  until  I  should  be  sup- 
plied from  Buffalo  and  the  little  arsenal  at  this  place. 

Yesterday  I  met  Major  General  Brown  by  appointment, 
and  obtained  from  him  such  details  as  are  necessary  for 
the  concert  of  our  proceedings.  Lieutenant  General  Drum- 
mond*s  further  operations  against  fort  Erie  are  in  all  pro- 
bability abandoned  for  this  campaign.  He  is  reported  to 
have  destroyed  the  bridges  at  Frenchman's  creek  and 
Chippewa, — and  to  have  covered  himself  with  his  field 
works  on  the  latter  stream.  His  efiective  force  does  pro- 
bably not  exceed  three  thousand  men,  besides  the  garrisons 
of  forts  George,  Niagara,  and  their  dependencies; — these 
cannot  be  complete.  I  have,  therefore,  determined  on  be- 
sieging fort  Niagara,  while  Brown^s  division  (which  is  not 
a  little  reduced  by  the  numerous  gallant  and  sanguinary 
conflicts  in  which  it  has  been  engaged)  shall  hold  him  in 
check  on  the  western  side  of  the  strait.  We  shall  be  but 
badly  furnished  with  artillery.  With  the  exception  of  one 
heavy  twenty-four  pounder,  on  a  truck  carriage  at  fort 
Erie,  there  are  no  pieces  of  larger  calibre  than  eighteens, 
and  these  light,  and  their  carriages  wanting  repairs.  I  have 
directed  the  latter  to  be  commenced  immediately,  and  in 
as  short  a  time  as  possible  shall  transport  towards  Lewis- 
town,  by  land  and  water,  six  or  eight  of  the  eighteen 
poundrrs,  and  the  only  two  mortars  which  can  be  found. 
With  these  I  hope,  after  a  few  days  of  open  trenches,  to 


^^ 


94 


I 


restoreto  the  United  States  the  shamefully  lost  fortress  of 
Niagara.  My  intention  is  yet  a  secret  to  all  but  Major 
General  Brown  and  my  chief  engineer,  Major  Totten.  I 
slkll  endeavour  to  mislead  the  enemy  into  a  belief  that  I 
am  about  to  land  a  force  on  the  north  side  of  lake  Erie,  in 
order  to  possess  myself  of  Burlington  heights. 

The  detachments  which  I  was  obliged  to  forward,  by 
land,  from  Sackett's  Harbour,  cannot  be  expected  in  less 
than  a  week;  neither  will  the  squadron  of  light  dragoons 
join  us  sooner.  The  roads  and  weather  oppose  any  rapid 
movement.  Indeed  when  I  look  back  on  the  distance 
which  we  have  come  since  we  left  our  position  in  front  of 
a  superior  enemy  on  the  Champlain  line,  I  am  surprised 
at  the  little  time  and  few  accidents  which  have  attended 
our  progress.  ^..r 

The  experience  of  the  last  campaign  proves  the  neces- 
sity of  adopting  timely  measures  for  the  accommodation 
and  comfort  of  the  troops  during  the  winter.  Disease, 
consequent  on  the  severity  of  the  climate,  exposure  at  a 
late  season,  and  bad  diet,  destroyed  ten  times  more  men 
than  fell  by  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  The  force,  now  a3- 
sembling  on  this  frontier,  small  as  it  is  in  numbers,  is 
great  in  value  to  the  United  States.  It  should  not  be  for- 
gotten that  they  were  raw  recruits  only  a  few  months  ago, 
and  that  they  have  been  engaged  in  active  service  ever 
since.  Their  instruction  as  soldiers  is  consequently  far 
from  what  it  might  be,  although  the  essentials  of  soldier- 
ship, as  obedience,  hardihood  and  courage,  are  theirs.  In 
the  repose  of  winter  quarters  they  can  acquire  what  is  yet 
9lone  wanting  to  render  them  equal,  if  not  superior,  to  any 
troops  on  earth.  Round  these  may  be  assembled  the  re- 
cruits from  the  interior.  The  officers^  of  all  grades,  should 
be  made  to  remain  with  them.  Applications  for  leave  of 
absence^  except  under  very  urgent  circumstances^  should  Se 


,..,.,-,., 


M 

refused.  In  this  manner  discipline  and  order  will  be 
speedily  established,  the  many  individuals  who  yet  dis- 
grace their  military  appointments,  will  be  known  and 
driven  from  the  service;  and  early  in  the  spring,  before 
the  enemy  can  receive  reinforcements  from  Europe,  the 
most  important  blows  may  be  struck. 

I  have  the  honour,  Sec. 

P.  S.  The  latest  communication  I  have  had  from  the 
war  office,  was  received  at  Chazy,  and  is  dated  the  12th 
August. 


The  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izard. 


War  Defiartmentf  Sefitember  27th,  18U. 
SIR, 

Your  letter  of  was  the  last  which  has  been 

received. 

A  strong  hope  is  entertained  that  yours  and  Commo- 
dore Chauncey's  movements  were  in  harmony,  and  that 
you  have  been  placed  by  means  of  his  fleet  in  safety  at 
the  point  of  your  destination; — arriving  there,  full  confi- 
dence exists,  that  you  and  the  corps  under  your  com- 
mand will  justify  the  high  opinion  cherished  by  the  govern- 
ment, of  the  gallantry  and  probable  success  of  your 
operations. 

When  I  took  charge  of  the  department  of  war,  you 
were  on  your  march  by  Sackett^s  Harbour  to  the  strait  of 
Niagara,  in  aid  of  General  Brown,  who  was  closely  pres- 
sed by  a  superior  force  at  fort  Erie.  General  Macomb 
was  exposed  by  your  departure,  to  an  attack  from  Moi^- 


rA-  ■-•f:M-ri 


■  I  ;-*7— )■- 


96 

treal;  and  Sackett's  Harbor  would  likewise  be  exposed 
to  an  attack  from  Kingston,  as  soon  as  you  and  Commo* 
dore  Chauncey  left  it.  It  did  not  seem  to  be  proper  to 
suspend  any  of  these  movements.  I  took  the  most  effec- 
tual measures  in  my  power  to  strengthen  the  exposed 
parts.  I  requested  the  governors  of  New  York  and  Ver- 
mont, to  send  immediate  aid  to  General  Macomb,  and 
Sackett's  Harbour,  and  ordered  a  reinforcement  of  one 
thousand  men  from  Detroit  to  fort  Erie,  which  may  pos- 
sibly arrive  in  time  to  afford  aid  there. 

On  your  arrival  at  the  strait  of  Niagara,  being  the 
senior  officer,  the  President  directs  that  you  take  the  com- 
mand of  the  whole  force.  The  military  operations  there 
must  be  combined  and  directed  to  one  result,  which  can 
only  be  done,  by  bein^  placed  in  the  hands  of  one  com- 
mander. 

Your  future  command  will  extend  to  the  whole  of  the 
9th  district. 

>.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JAMES  MONROE. 

P.  S.  Since  writing  the  above,  Ihave  received  your  let- 
ters  of  the  16th,  and  18th  of  this  month. 


i.' 


^' 


&.;. 


,w 


97 


.'J^-f'A 


m, 


Major  General  Izard  to  the  Honourable  James  Monroe 
m  ^mi<%    S^'cretary  at  fFar,  ^^^  .,^^^_  ■■ 


'•■v. 


Northern  Army^  H.  Q.  near  Levnttowrif  October  7ch,  1814. 


'-•i'^* 


SIR, 


Ireckivbd  last  evening  by  express  from  BuiFalo,  your 
letter  of  the  27th  ultimo — none  other  has  reached  me 
from  the  war  department  of  later  date  than  the  12th  of 
Aygust  I  have  in  the  interval,  regularly  addressed  the 
secretary  at  war,  and  my  opinion  respecting  the  move* 
ments  which  I  was  ordered  to  execute,  as  well  as  the 
modifications  which  were  necessitated  by  circumstances, 
have  been  detailed  in  my  letters  from  Chazy  of  the  11th, 
20th,  and  23d  August;  from  lake  George,  of  the  1st 
September;  from  Schenectady  of  the  7th  September;  from 
Sackett's  Harbour  of  the  17th,  18th,  and  20th;  and  from 

Batavia  of  the  28th. Being  without  instructions,  and 

having  received  at  Sackett's  Harbour  pressing  letters  from 
Major  General  Brown,  to  hasten  to  the  relief  of  the  forces 
at  fort  Erie,  I  considered  it  my  duty  to  depart  from  the 
course  laid  down  by  the  late  secretary;  and  in  the  pro- 
priety of  having  done  so,  I  am  confirmed  by  the  situation 
I  find  things  in  on  this  frontier. 

On  the  Ist  of  this  month  I  moved  from  Batavia,  with 
the  troops  which  had  accompanied  me  by  water  from 
Sackett's  Harbour,  for  this  point.  My  route  was  through 
a  wHderness,  the  greater  part  swamp,  twenty.six  miles 
in  extent,  until  I  reached  the  Ridge  Road,  (thirty-five 
miles  east  of  this  place);  from  thence  the  road  is  good. 
We  arrived  here  the  day  before  yesterday  in  tjie  morning, 
having  encamped  the  preceeding  night  at  a  deserted^ ham- 
let six  miles  off.  If  boats  could  have, been  procured,  we 

N 


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.'Al 


M\ 


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^'WW^ 


98 

should  have  surprised  a  British  battalion  lying  at  Queens- 
town.  Unluckily  every  description  of  craft  has  been  re- 
moved from  this  shore,  by  the  enemy. 

Major  Generals  Brown  and  P.  B.  Porter  met  me  the 
same  evening.  The  opinions  of  these  officers  are  decided- 
ly, that  we  should  concentrate  our  forces  south  of  Chip- 
pewa river,  (which  stream  has  not  yet  been  abandoned  by 
General  Drummond,)  and  defer  the  attack  of  the  forts  at 
the  mouth  of  Niagara  river,  so  long  as  he  is  in  the  field. 
I  enclose  a  copy  of  the  note  I  addressed,  after  our  conver- 
sation, to  Major  General  Brown,  and  his  answer.  As  soon 
as  I  hear  again  from  him,  I  will  march  to  Schlosser  and 
cross  my  brigades  to  the  Canada  shore.     =>^  .m#^/,''     -^'#*^ 

Two  parties  which  were  sent  out  last  evening,  to  recon- 
noitre fort  Niagara  and  the  intervening  ground,  have  just 
now  returned.  The  enemy  has  drawn  all  his  garrison  with- 
in his  walls,  and  is  adding  to  his  defences  both  there  and  at 
fort  George.  Early  this  morning  a  body  of  infantry,  re- 
ported to  be  eight  hundred  men,  marched  from  the  latter 
fort  towards  Queenstown;  they  were  accompanied  by  bag- 
gage wagons,  and  are  probably  going  to  reinforce  theiir 
army  above. 

Some  publications  have  appeared  calculated  to  induce 
a  belief,  that  the  force  left  at  Plattsburg  was  incompetent 
to  the  defence  of  that  important  point.  I  beg  leave  to  cor- 
rect this  misrepresentation.  There  were  at  Plattsburg,  in 
and  about  the  works  which  I  had  erected  in  the  preced- 
ing two  months,  under  the  direction  of  a  valuable  young 
officer.  Major  Totten,  of  the  engineers,  not  less  than  three 
thousand  regulars,  of  whom  one  thousand  five  hundred 
were  fit  for  duty  in  the  field,  (in  the  number  were  three  good 
companies  of  artillery,)  besides  some  hundreds  of  what 
are  reported  extra  duty  men  and  convalescents.  There 
can  not  have  been  five  hundred  of  the  whole  number 


.>"•» »'  r,  •■  "J-* 


\», 


...V'^ 


99 

useless,  in  case  of  an  attack.  They  were  amply  provided 
with  artillery,  ammunition  and  stores  of  every  kind,  com- 
pletely secured  from  annoyance.  I  may  venture  to  assert 
that  without  the  works,  (fort  Moreau  and  its  dependen- 
cies,) Captain  Macdonough  would  not  have  ventured  to 
await  the  enemy's  attack  in  Plattsburg  Bay,  and  would 
have  been  obliged  to  retire  to  the  upper  end  of  lake 
Champlain;  and  that  with  the  garrison  which  Brigadier 
General  Macomb  had,  he  might  (with  the  skill  and  atten- 
tion to  be  looked  for,  in  a  professional  man  of  his  rank, 
and  with  the  able  assistance  he  had  in  some  of  our  best 
officers  of  every  arm  (Colonel  Melancthon  Smith  of  the 
29th,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Appling  of  the  riflemen,  Major 
Totten  of  the  engineers.  Captains  B  ooke,  and  Leonard 
of  the  artillery,)  have  defended  those  works  for  three  weeks 
against  a  combined  attack  by  land  and  water,  had  the 
British  fleet  been  victorious,  and  Sir  George  Prevost's 
force  really  as  is  stated.  I  hope,  sir,  that  you  will  do  me 
the  honour  to  lay  these  facts  before  the  President — as  I 
am  anxious  to  prove  that  I  have  not  been  undeserving  of 
the  confidence,  which  has  been  placed  in  my  exertions,  to 
defend  the  frontier  entrusted  to  my  charge. 
H-'  -  i      I  am,  very  respectfully.  See. 


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Ar- 


//Irat/  Quartera,  JVbrt&em  Artnyi 
J,...  Co»0  ncar^trcft'fCreekf  Ufi/icr  Canada)  Ocfr.  16, 19) A* 

:.'"    SIR,      ■■'-:'■'::■  .  ;;; 

On  the  8th  instant  J  noarchcfl  from  Lewistown  for 
Schlosser,  intending  to  embark  at  or  near  that  landing  witli 
iny  troops  and  cross  the  strait  to  a  point  south  of  Chip- 
pewa, where  J  was  to  be  met  by  Major  General  Browij's 
Piyision.  On  arriving  at  Cayuga  creek,  where  the  bofit? 
had.  been  concealed,  I  found  that  they  would  not  con- 
tain above  one  fourth  of  my  force;  and  to  cross  in  the 
face  of  the  enemy's  batt(:ries  and  intrenchments  at  Chip- 
pewa, by  mail  detachments,  would  have  been  mad- 
ness. I  therefore  encamped  for  the  nighU  and  the  neM 
rnoming  having  lightened  my  wagons  by  puttmg  part  of 
their  loads  in  the  boat^,  we  proceeded  towards  31ack 
Rpck*  Sonne  ^ejay  occi^rred  ^t  Tonewante  creek,  a  bold 
^nd  deep  strean^i,  the  bridgP  over  which  was  destroyed 
some  months  ago.  On  the  IQth  and  I  ith  my  division 
crossed  the  %^r^\^  ^\}^.  ^i^pan^ped  ^bout  two  miles  north 
of  fort  Erie. 

I  found  at  that  post  (besides  the  remains  of  Brown's 
division  and  the  New- York  volunteers  under  General|Por- 
ter)  the  17th  regiment  of  infantry,  which  had  arrived 
a  few  days  before  from  the  westward;  the  latter  I  attached 
to  the  1st  brigade  of  my  division.  Having  ordered  the 
works  to  be  completed,  and  leaving  a  garrison,  competent 
to  their  protection  from  insult  under  present  circum- 
stances, which  I  entrusted  to  Major  Hindman  of  the  ar- 
tillery as  commandant,  I  marched  on  the  morning  of  the 
13th  with  this  army,  consisting  of  the  first  division,  three 


irife 


VVi 


■J- 


.-.>•-■*' 


"•^ff..- 


H 


101 

thousand  five  hundred  strong,  nnder  my  immediate  com- 
mand, and  the  second  division  under  Major  General 
Brown,  two  thousand  regulars  and  eight  hundred  militia 
volunteers. 

At  Black-Creek  W9  halted  that  night.  A  small  party  of 
the  enemy's  light  troops  and  dragoons  were  on  die  op- 
posite  si4e  of  the  creek,  observing  us;  they  had  destroyed 
the  bridges  and  houses,  and  driven  away  die  inhabitants. 
This  forage  they  had  endeavoured  to  bum,  but  were  in  too 
m^ph  haste  to  do  sq  efiectusJly.  I  cause  all  that  we  have 
occasion  to  take  to  be  paid  for,  and  spare  no  pains  to  pro- 
tect the  wretched  people  from  being  plundered.  Some 
excesses,  I  regret  to  state,  have  been  committed  by  the 
irregulars  (uid  riflemen,  but  they  are  remedied  as  much 
as  possible;  and  if  repeated  (after  the  orders  I  have  g^vea 
on  the  subject)  shall  not  go  unpunished,    r  -f.  ^  -  /^  ..f.-^t^^-vi 

The  construction  of  bridges  over  the  numerous  little 
streams  we  met  with  debyed  our  progress  on  the  14th. 
We  encamped  that  night  at  this  place,  little  more  than  two 
miles  from  the  enemy's  intrenchments  on  ibe  Chippewa. 
Yesterday  morning,  having  completed  a  bridge  over 
Street's  creek  for  the  passage  of  the  field  pieces,  I  occupied 
W^h  my  division  forming  the  first  line  of  the  army, 
the  ground  in  front  of  the  enemy's  works;  my  right  on 
the  strait,  my  left  in  the  woods  i^irting  the  Chippewa 
river,  and  a  body  of  riflemen  in  advance  covering  the  left 
fltnk,  on  Lyons's  creek,  which  falls  into  the  Chippev/a 
about  a  mile  and  a  half  above  its  mouth.  Both  streams 
are  deep*  and  without  a  ford  for  many  miles.  At 
their  junction  the  enemy  has  erected  a  strong  redoubt. 

For  the  purpose  of  drawing  the  fire  from  his  defences,  in 
order  to  choose  the  situation  of  our  batteries,  I  ordered  a 
field  piece  forward  into  the  road,  from  which  several  shot 


r 


t'<- 


-'iV 


I'-Yt'. 


u-  '-:a 


,[■'■ 


I 


"  fS 


|.V 


i 


t^ 


102 

were  distharged  with  effect  at  the  prominent  buildings 
within  their  fortification;  but  they  did  not  think  proper  to 
answer  us.  Some  confusion  was  observed  on  their  side; 
loaded  wagons  were  seen  going  off  and  a  number  of 
soldiers  retreating  by  the  lake  road.  Some  of  my  officers 
were  induced  to  believe  they  were  evacuating  the  post, 
and  Major  General  Brown  was  of  this  opinion.  To  ascer- 
tain the  fact,  which  seemed  to  me  incredible  in  the  appa- 
rent state  of  their  works,  I  ordered  the  whole  of  my  little 
train  (consisting  of  Towson's  and  Archer's  companies, 
the  former  three  six  pounders  and  one  Si  inch  howitzer, 
the  latter  two  eighteen  pounders)  to  advance  and  fire  on 
their  batteries.  Nothing  could  be  more  gallant  than  the  pro- 
ceeding of  this  little  band.  They  advanced  through  the 
open  ground  in  full  view  of  the  enemy's  batteries  of  twen- 
ty.four  and  twelve  pounders,  formed  the  line  without  any 
cover  whatever,  and  commenced  a  cool  and  correct  can- 
nonade, which  was  immediately  answered  by  theu:  ad- 
versaries. The  vast  superiority  of  our  artilleristis  was  dis- 
cernible to  the  most  inexperienced  eye.  Every  shot  told. 
One  of  their  batteries  was  sileifced.  The  intended  effect 
was  produced,  and  it  was  plain  that  so  far  from  abandoning 
their  forts,  the  British  were  in  strength,  and  superior 
in  weight  of  metal,  and  number  of  guns.  The  firing 
continued  till  dusk,  when  I  directed,  our  pieces  to  be 
withdrawn  for  the  night. 

Two  deserters  who  came  over  this  morning,  state  that 
considerable  execution  was  done  in  the  battery  which  they 
were  posted  in,  on  the  hither  side  of  the  creek.  On  our 
side  we  lost  but  four  men  killed;  none  wounded,  except 
Major  S.  Lush,  Army  Judge  Advocate,  who  volunteered 
his  services  as  one  of  my  staff",  and  who  imprudently  was 
in  a  groupe  with  a  number  of  other  young  officers,  which 


i 


.«.. 


-'**S^ 


— •■S.%^*!^*' 


Mtr^f^^ 


'  Vu__ 


jtij^:**n^'-". 


I  ■*< 


103 

attracted  the  notice  of  the  enemy.  His  horstwps  shot  un- 
der him  by  a  twenty-four  pound  ball,  and  himself  severely 
hurt.  I  am  happy  to  add,  that  the  surgeons  pronounce  the 
wound  not  mortal.  .  ;    . 

This  morning  I  have  directed  Lyons's  creek,  on  the 
right  of  the  enemy's  position,  to  be  closely  reconnoi» 
tered. 

I  have  just  learnt  by  express  from  Sackett's  Harbour, 
that  Commodore  Chauncey,  with  the  whole  of  his  fleet, 
has  retired  into  port  and  is  throwing  up  batteries  for  its 
protection.  This  defeats  all  the  objects  of  the  operations 
by  land  in  this  quarter.  I  may  turn  Chippewa,  and  should 
General  Drummond  not  retire,  may  succeed  in  giving 
him  a  great  deal  of  trouble;  but  if  he  falls  back  on  fort 
George,  or  Burlington  Heights,  2  very  step  I  take  in  pur- 
suit, exposes  me  to  be  cut  off  by  the  large  reinforcements 
it  is  in  the  power  of  the  enemy  to  throw  in  twenty-four 
hours  upon  my  flank  or  rear. 

All  the  artillery  and  all  the  ordnance  stores  on  this  fron- 
tier, are  inadequate  to  the  siege  of  one  of  the  enemy's  for- 
tresses. Three  fourths  of  the  arms  of  the  troops  from  the 
westward,  are  unfit  for  service.  The  severe  season  is  ap- 
proaching. A  fact,  which  I  was  not  aware  of  before  I  wit- 
nessed it  from  Lewistown  Heights,  is  that  the  communi- 
cation by  water  between  York  and  the  mouth  of  the  Nia- 
gara was  uninterrupted,  notwithstanding  our  supremacy 
at  that  time  on  lake  Ontario.  I  saw  a  large  square  rigged 
vessel  arriving,  and  another,  a  brig,  lying  close  to  the 
Canada  shore.  Not  a  vessel  of  ours  was  in  sight. 

I  confess,  sir,  that  I  am  greatly  embarrassed.  At  the 
head  of  the  most  efiicient  army  which  the  United  States 
have  possessed  during  this  war,  much  must  be  expected 
from  me— and  yet  I  can  discern  no  object  which  can  be 


;■  (\ 


V  ..i 


'X^r'*^*"* 


F'.W-    J 


^ - 


1^ 


'■      1.1 


104 

achieved  at  ^a  point,  worthjr  of  the  risk  which  wUI  at- 
tend its  attempt.  The  relief  of  Major  General  Buown'tf 
force  is  conif^etely  efiteted.  I  have  presented  the  army 
under  my  command  in  the  open  field,  and  undef  the 
enemy's  intrenchments  for  battle,  whicb  he  prudently  de- 
clines. The  opinions  of  all  the  principal  officers  whom  h 
have  spoken  with  on  the  subject,  are  against  attemptat 
which  can  result  in  no  national  advantage,  and  which  even 
if  successful,  would  be  attended  by  the  unavoidable  io8» 
of  many  men,  now  more  valuable  than  ever.  Under  these 
circumstances,  should  no  opening  present  itself  in  a  few 
days,  to  obtain  ai^  immediate  advuitage  over  the  enemy,  I 
sAali  feel  it  iny  duty  to  commence  preparations  for  the  dis- 
tribution of  the  troops  in  winter  quarters,,  at  such  places 
as  will  enable  them  to  assemble  with  celerity  round  any 
menaced pointi'^^vvii >•»«#' ■'.■  ^tiSk^M-i-'.^^^r^^ 
'^m-.-^    ^.' .-•.  'i^r^-'^V'       lams  MT,  &c.  i!^--^^'-'«''*i^  * 

■■'•■  ■»'      •'.         »).       •'   ^!^..'i^_%  'itv^V^-:  '%M 

-  .^••.%M-  ^,- '  I  .  ;V'rK-<"#M;j    ••■f.-v'lf'  .'^^'/  '  ^tsj^ 


■■.•<*. 


m^^> 


The  Same  to  the  Same, 


■•'iM 


,  :?;^:^y 


^0t 


■h,^ 


)\    \ 


"."''';;'. 


SIR, 


Camfiy  ofifioaite  Black  Rock,  October  23tf,  18|i4» 


■•«■•" 


On  the  17th  and  18th  instant  I  manoeuvred  with  the 
army  under  my  command  in  front  of  Chippewa,  in  the 
hope  of  drawing  the  enemy  out  into  the  field; — but  in 
vain.  When  I  retired  a  few  miles,  his  light  parties  ob- 
served us  with  great  caution;  and  whenever  we  returned 
towards  them,  they  took  shelter  in  their  works. — Having 
been  informed  that  there  was  a  considerable  quantity  of 
grain  collected  for  the  British  troops  at  Cook's  Mill  oh 
Lyons's  Creek,  twelve  miles  above  Chippewa,  I  detached 


\'-  ') 


.,v  -  ■.   .^.,itvt»iiifMr%:,<i*--'- 


,ir^'^^«tffy--»-*»(f  -  "f'*" 


105 


'^\ 


\  #- 


Brigadier  General  Bissell,  with  nine  hundred  infantry,  on 
the  morning  of  the  18th  to  seize  it,  and  (if  impracticable 
to  convey  it  to  our  camp)  he  had  orders  to  destroy  it. 
Enclosed  is  the  Brigadier's  report.  The  enemy  was 
completely  routed,  and  suffered  severely.  I  transmit  a 
return  of  our  loss,  both  there  and  in  the  cannonade  be- 
fore Chippewa,  which,  under  the  circumstances  of  the 
case,  has  been  small.  The  conduct  of  Brigadier  Ge< 
neral  Bissell  was  marked  by  coolness,,  and  the  most 
undaunted  intrepidity.  During  the  whole  campaign  I  have 
received  great  advantage  from  the  assistance  of  this  valua- 
ble officer.  His  zeal,  and  attention  to  discipline  have  been 
unremitted.  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  him  particularly 
to  the  notice  of  the  government.  The  officers  who  are 
mentioned  in  his  letter  deserve  also  great  commendation 
for  their  uniform  good  conduct,  since  1  have  had  the  com- 
mand of  the  army.  During  the  absence  of  this  detach- 
ment,  I  learnt  from  several  quarters  that  the  British  fleet 
had  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara,  and  that  troops 
and  stores  were  landing  at  fort  George.  This  intelligence 
induced  me  to  hope  that  the  enemy  would  be  encouraged 
to  accept  the  battle  I  had  so  frequently  oflered  him.  I 
therefore  took  a  position  at  Black  creek,  leaving  the 
bridges,  which  we  had  thrown  over  the  various  streams, 
in  good  repair  for  their  accommodation.  On  the  21stj 
finding  that  he  still  continued  within  his  works  which  he 
had  been  assiduously  engaged  in  strengthening  from  the 
moment  of  our  first  appearance,  the  weather  beginning  to 
be  severe,  and  a  great  number  of  our  officers  and  men  suf- 
fering from  their  continued  fatigues,  and  exposure,  at  12 
at  noon  I  broke  up  my  encampment  and  marched  to  this 
ground,  in  order  to  prepare  winter  quarters  for  the  troops. 
Major  General  Brown  addressed  a  note  to  mt  on  the  19th 


,1 


« 


t 


"I 


■i 

< 


j.ffiJ;*) 


•»-*<' V;:^ 


.i^Jtl 


'/'•&,0,  ^ 


K^^i^^ 


'^  ■■TS'.;> — '  ■'■~»i/;T-j.';,|L,"'';..'"*7r> 


106 

« 

suggesting  his  wish  to  be  ordered  immediately  to  Sackett# 
Harbour,  where  he  should  precede  his  division,  which,  I 
had  informed  him,  it  was  my  intention  to  station  there 
this  winter.  In  compliance  with  his  request  he  was  di< 
rected  to  proceed  to  that  post,  which  he  did  on  the  20th. 
The  infantry  remaining  of  his  late  force  is  placed  under 
the  command  of  Brigadier  General  Winder  (who  joined  ' 
me  a  few  days  ago,)  and  will  commence  its  march  for 
Sackett's  Harbour  to-morrow.  I  shall  endeavour  to  secure 
fort  Erie  from  insult  by  perfecting  its  defences;  and 
having  selected  convenient  ground  at  Black  Rock,  shall 
lose  no  time  in  constructing  huts  for  the  army.  It  needs 
repose.  The  dysentery  has  already  commenced  its  ravages 
among  all  ranks,  and  our  sick  list  is  daily  increasing.  I  beg 
leave  to  apologize  for  any  omissions  in  the  present  com- 
munication.— The  weather  is  very  cold  and  stormy,  and 
the  ground  wet.  As  soon  as  I  shall  have  made  my  final 
arrangements,  I  will  do  myself  the  honour  of  giving  you 
precise  information  on  the  subject. 

I  have,  &c. 


<:;' 


i-^lrlt'"  %»~>.  /•• 


-■.f,^  f»Vf 


'.1 


■1.1 


-■•'t/--'".-  -•■ff 


i;-  :v-'',;  f  T^  ^^;-^.y ;  v*-*-!  ^*;"^^"^'T 


■  ,(^  ■-;.-- ■,,,y,rt 


107 


>'-»^. 


JN"*  ■-■ . 


The  Secretary  at  IVar  to  Major  General  Izard, 


SIR, 


War  De/tartment,  October  i^,  1114. 


I  HAVE  received  your  letter  of  the  16th  of  this  month.— 
It  appears  doubtful  by  it,  whether  you  will  be  able  to 
force  the  enemy  from  his  present  position,  or  to  make  any 
further  impression  on  ''^m  before  the  campaign  closes. 
And  as  Commodore  Chauncey  is  not  a  match  for  the 
enemy  on  the  lake,  and  the  successes  heretofore  gained  on 
the  strait,  and  the  pressure  now  made  on  General  Drum- 
mond  may  draw  Sir  George  Prevost  in  great  force  to  his 
aid,  it  becomes  an  object  to  look  to  your  own  safety  and 
to  that  of  the  country  westward  of  you,  more  especially 
the  post  of  Detroit.  Eqi^^Uy  important  is  it  to  look  to  the 
safety  of  Sackett's  Harbour,  which  seems  to  be  imminently 
exposed  by  the  ascendency  which  the  enemy  have  gained 
on  the  lake; — by  its  own  weakness,  the  great  force  which 
the  enemy  either  have  now  or  may  soon  have  at  Kingston, 
and  your  distance  from  it  with  the  main  army  of  the  Uni- 
ted States. 

Heretofore  I  thought  it  most  advisable,  as  I  intimated  to 
you  in  a  former  letter,  to  suffer  the  movement  which  had 
been  given  by  my  predecessor  to  go  on,  and  to  strengthen 
the  posts  which  were  most  exposed  in  consequence 
of  it. 

The  Governor  of  ]N%w-York  was  called  on  for  such 
aids  in  militia  as  would  secure  Plattsburg,  Sackett's  Har- 
bour and  fort  Eric. — Not  kjoowing,  as  you  depended  on 
the  flotilla  for  your  conveyance  up  the  lake,  when  you 
might  aiirive  at  the  point  of  destination,  General  M'Arthur 


W 


♦a.V' 


1  1 1.1 

'I 


9  -Oi. 


% 


t 


108 

was  instructed  to  send  a  detachment  of  one  thousand 
regular  troops  from  Detroit  to  its  aid;  and  not  wishing  to 
press  too  much  on  the  militia  of  New- York,  the  Governor 
of  Vermont  was  requested  to  send  a  strong  detachment  of 
the  mili(  ^  of  that  state  to  Plattsburg.  I  was  happy  to  find 
that  those  views  had  been  anticipated  in  a  great  measure 
by  the  Governors  of  those  states,  and  to  receive  assu- 
rances from  them  of  their  continued  exertions  in  Vii|.' 
port  of  our  operations  in  those  quarters. 

If  it  should  be  practicable  to  demolish  the  army  .>e*^;)r» 
you,  it  would  certainly  be  a  happy  eveiit.  'f:!- good  ef- 
fects of  it  would  be  felt  through  the  whole  isorthern  and 
western  frontier,  along  the  coast  and  in  Europe.  It  is  im- 
possible at  this  distance  to  give  an  opinion  of  the  propriety 
of  such  an  attempt.  The  President  entertains  full  confi- 
dence in  your  judgment,  that  you  will  omit  nothing  justi- 
fied by  a  v/ell  founded  prospe()t  of  success,  nor  attempt 
any  thing  attended  with  great  risk,  always  recollecting  that 
the  preso  vation  of  the  troops  we  now  have  is  important, 
not  only  for  the  protection  of  our  frontier  through  the 
winter,  but  as  a  school  of  instruction  and  a  model  for  the 
much  greater  army  which  it  is  contemplated  to  raise. 

As  soon  as  the  enemy  perceives  that  your  offensive 
operations  are  suspended  in  the  strait,  should  that  be  the 
case,  and  that  General  Drummond  is  secure,  he  will  pro- 
bably attempt  Sackett's  Harbour,  if  not  previously.  That 
post  is  deplorably  weak.  I' ,  importance  is  well  known  to 
you.  It  constitutes  in  a  ma'  r.-^^f  h  i/incipal  \  .d-quarters 
on  our  western  frontier.  ;.  i.avc  to  request  on  the  receipt 
of  this  letter,  in  case  the  state  of  afiairs  on  the  strait  will 
permit,  that  you  either  repair  thither  in  person  or  detach 
General  Brown  to  take  the  command,  as  you  may  deem 
most  expedient.  The  great  interest  depending  there  and 
th:  critical  posture  of  affairs,  admit  of  no  delay  in  pro- 


f/ 


I  \ 


'*m% 


>*(«»>.^'''j 


t>i<**^' 


••  ' 


'e^">r!r 


'  '     109 

viding  for  the  safety  of  that  post,  which  it  is  thought  had 
beat  be  done  by  either  yoii,  or  General  Brown,  taking  itn. 
mediate    harge  of  it. 

The  next  distant  object  tn  attend  to  is  Detroit.  It  was 
expected  that  tho  regular  troops  brought  thence  lately  to 
Eric  would  be  sent  back  before  this  winter  set  in.  It  is 
apprehended  that  that  post  will  be  exposed  to  much  dan- 
ger in  the  course  of  the  winter,  not  from  the  Indians  only, 
but  from  more  serious  exertions  consisting  of  regular 
troops,  set  on  foot  from  below.  How  this  may  be  practi- 
cable, regarding  the  position  which  we  may  hold  on  the 
strait,  during  the  winter,  and  other  circumstance  on 
which  movements  from  below  muse  depend,  you  will  best 
be  able  to  judge.  If  the  one  thousand  ^ncn  can  be  spared  with 
safety  to  other  objects,  the  Presidei.t  prefers  that  they  be 
sent  back  to  Detroit.  He  leaves  this  however  to  your 
judgment.  You  will  apprize  Gener;  1  M* Arthur  of  your 
decision  as  soon  as  taken,  whether  it  Le  to  detain  or  send 
them  back. 

I  am,  &CC. 


"II 


■^1 


;:•«^s^^i;: 


■/ 


110 


»( 


Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  War. 


''■';'    SL 


:'k% 


%' 


bIR, 


U.  S.  Military  District,  JVo.  9,  H.  Quarters^ 

Buffalo,  Jjovember  2rf,  1814. 


Severe  indisposition,  which  scarcely  left  me  faculties  to 
execute  the  indispensable  duties  of  routine,  has  prevented 
me  from  sooner  communicating  to  you  the  occurrences 
on  this  frontier  since  the  23d  ultimo,  the  date  of  the  last 
letter  I  had  the  honour  of  addressing  to  you.  The  infantry 
of  Major  General  Brown's  division  under  Brigadier  Gene- 
ral Winder,  proceeded  (as  was  intended)  on. the  24th,  and 
must  be  now  well  on  its  way  towards  Sackett's  Harbour. 
I  entertain  great  doubts  of  the  enemy's  attacking  that  place 
this  winter;  but  even  should  they  do  so,  this  reinforce- 
ment of  troops,  who  have  seen  severe  service,  will  be  a 
most  important  addition  to  its  defence.  The  crowds  of 
disorganized  and  unarmed  militia  which  have  assembled 
there  in  the  last  few  weeks,  would  be  of  more  disadvan- 
tage than  service.  A  letter  from  a  Brigadier  General 
Tucker,  of  the  New- York  militia,  dated  the  20th  ultimo, 
states  the  number  to  be  then  between  five  and  six  thou- 
sand,— without  guns,  mutinous,  and  determined  to  move 
off  (as  they  came)  en  masse  on  the  25th  instant,  should 
they  not  be  previously  discharged.  The  arrival  of  Major 
General  Brown  will,  I  hope,  have  the  effect  of  calming 
these  people,  to  whom  he  has  for  years  been  personally 
known,  and  among  whom  he  is  popular.  I  am  happy  un- 
der  every  point  of  view,  in  having  thus  anticipated  your 
instructions  of  the  24th,  which  with  the  order  of  the  19th 
relative  to  ordnance  stores,  reached  me  two  days  ago.  A 


,-,»<*r- 


t;'-^'*^ ' 


%r"  \y^-'-'  ■"*r'^"-"=.*'  T'' 


^fy:5^:^^>, 


111 

private  letter  of  a  late  date  from  Detroit  which  was  read  to 
me  by  an  officer  of  my  staff  the  day  previous  to  receiving 
your  despatches,  stated  the  fact  of  the  arrival  at  that  post 
of  M' Arthur's  command  of  mounted  riflemen  seven  or 
eight  hundred  strong.  These  would  I  trust  secure  it  for 
the  present.  From  hence  it  would  take  a  body  of  men  at 
least  twenty,  five  days  to  march  round  the  lake  to  Detroit, 
and  baggage  and  supplies  could  not  in  the  present  condi- 
tion of  the  roads  accompany  them  at  all. 

I  despatched,  however,  immediately  an  express  to 
General  M* Arthur,  to  know  his  situation,  and  should 
means  of  water  conveyance  occur,  and  the  situation  of 
things  here  permit  the  movement,  I  will  send  him  such 
forces  as  can  be  spared.  The  regiment  you  allude  to  from 
that  quarter,  and  which  arrived  at  fort  Erie,  a  few  days 
before  me,  is  by  no  means  as  strong  as  stated  in  your  let- 
ter. By  yesterday's  report  it  has  only  twenty-one  officers, 
and  four  hundred  and  sevcnty>six  non-commissioned 
officers  and  privates  fit  for  duty.  Further  changes  have 
taken  place  in  this  quarter,  which  again  must  govern  my 
operations.  When  before  Chippewa,  the  impression  left 
by  General  Brown's  estimates  and  observation  was,  that 
the  remaining  British  regular  force  for  the  field  before  us, 
was  rather  under,  than  over  four  thousand  men  (includ- 
ing the  garMsons  of  the  forts  below,  perhaps  five  hundred 
men).  It  was  also  reported  by  our  spies  near  the  movth 
of  the  strait,  that  the  fleet  landed  only  a  few  hundred 
troops,  but  that  the  bulk  of  their  cargoes  consisted  in 
provisions  and  stores.  This  was  only  in  part  true.  It  now 
seems  from  the  deposition  of  deserters,  corroborated  by 
more  recent  observation,  that  the  troops  were  one  thou- 
sand six  hundred  in  number;  besides  whom  four  hundred 
exchanged  prisoners  (of  the  41st  regiment,  from  Erie,) 


#■#• 


1' 


I 


"  '    /     '  ' 


*i 


'V.J 


;  I  •  f 


4/' 


M  - 


112 

had  immediately  been  put  upon  duty — and  the  whole  ad- 
vanced to  Chippewa. 

Thus  when  General  Brown's  command,  and  Porter's 
volunteers  (the  latter  highly  commendable  for  having 
crossed  when  they  did,  and  having  encouraged  by  their 
presence  the  fainting  regulars  at  fort  Erie,)  had  repassed 
the  strait,  the  relative  change  between  the  enemy's 
strength  and  mine,  exceeded  four  thousand  men.  If  un- 
der this  disparity  of  numbers  we  can  keep  in  check  their 
superior  force,  the  object  attained  is  no  humble  one.  My 
own  belief  is,  that  they  have  been  in  error  respecting  my 
original  force,  and  are  yet  ignorant  of  the  movement  of 
General  Winder's  detachment.  I  cannot  otherwise  ac- 
count for  their  cautious  conduct  in  keeping  behind  their 
intrenchments,  at  a  moment  when  in  the  face  of  an  open 
country,  I  have  crossed  at  least  six  thousand  troops  of 
all  descriptions  with  their  horses,  cannon,  and  baggage^ 
and  with  a  complement  of  boats  which  could  convey  no 
more,  than  six  to  seven  hundred  at  a  time.  The  last  bri- 
gade which  has  landed  at  Black  Rock,  is  that  of  General 
Bissell;  it  reached  the  American  shore  in  safety  yesterday. 
For  the  two  days  previous,  the  violence  of  the  southwest 
wind  rendered  all  communication  from  this  shore  to  the 
other  impracticable,  without  being  driven  so  low  in  the 
strait  as  would  have  thrown  the  boats  within  the  British 
posts  below. 

While  the  storm  lasted,  (on  the  last  day  of  which  would 
expire  the  provisions  for  the  whole  force  then  left  on  the 
other  side,)  1  was  informed  from  several  sources  that  these 
storms  frequently  continued  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks  in 
the  month  of  November;  and  that  in  the  course  of  the 
winter,  the  interruption  was  often  repeated.  These  things 
inspired  no  pleasing  reflections.   Fortunately  the   wind 


"■'*  ■    '■'^■^■■iifcL  y:L%H0'^-~<-'-t^:'''^''''3i^<:i-i^'fh,r\.~.-.., 


•  ■  ...>-v'!'"A;.>s'>:^*Wii*ft«fe,*i 


&r 


t^'  :,-."7(;-.';i;T(i;tr:;i;-'j' 


% 


'^''^ ; 


:  ac- 


X  113 

abated  in  time  to  relieve  this  important  part  of  my  army, 
and  induced  me  to  examine  maturely  the  advantages,  and 
inconveniences  of  retiiinin^  fort  Erie  under  the  American 
flag.  I  can  find  not  one  of  the  former,  (except  its  being 
a  trophy)  which  in  any  point  of  view  would  justify  my  ex- 
posing  in  a  weak,  ill  planned,  and  hastily  repaired  redoubt 
(it  aearcely  deserves  even  that  humble  designation,)  some 
bumkeds  of  valtmbk  officers  and  men,  with  the  Gannon, 
and  various  stores,  which  if  it  Were  taken  would  nccea- 
sarily  M  with  it  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  It  is  as 
mueh  unproteGted  in  the  winter  by  a  force  on  this  si^, 
as  if  it  were  fifty  miles  oiF.  h  comn>ands  norhing»  not 
even  the  entrance  of  the  strsii;  and  should  by  anyuntowM^ 
accident,  the  naval  superiority  on  lake  Erie  be  recovered  by 
the  enemy,  the  garrison  must  at  any  season  and  in  a  very 
short  titne,  throw  open  then*  gates  to  any  body  that  wttl 
famish  them  with  the  means  of  subsistenee.  '  v  ^.  <^ 
After  much  turning  these  thoughts  and  others  onthe  same 
subject  in  my  mind,  1  commviniGated  the  result  separately 
to  Gen.  Swartwout,  Quartermaster  Genera),— ^Brigadier 
General  Bissetl  and  Major  Totten,  tny  chief  engini'^r. 
They  each  instantly,  and  unequivocally,  expressed  their 
satisfaction  at  learning  my  resolution;  and  I  was  at  the 
same  time  informed,  that  the  desertioHs  among  the  troops 
designated  for  the  garrison  had,  since  their  destination  wai& 
known,  been  daily  and  numerous.  I  have  directed  the 
secret  to  be  rigidly  kept— the  work  to  be  eontinued  as  if 
for  hots  and  magazines— but  in  fact,  for  fuel  and  mines?-* 
and  on  the  4th  or  5th  (should  the  weather  favour  us,  and 
no  attack  be  made  previously  by  the  enemy),  fort  Eri* 
will  be  dismantled,  evacuated  and  destroyed. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
t 


i:  \  1 


»*<  • 


.y^ 


i\ 


'H' 


i*'?y^ 


^- 


-•-■;,. 


114 


5^.1    '.'V 


■W.l 


?  ^y5^!;'»Mi.'*'^  ■   ■^^,'f':'iyJ^<  ■'.^'^^'^^  '^fi^^>^:ft^''h'-'T'.^. 


V  ^,rt.: 


* 


.?j^-4- 


i.^'^-^jfi/t-^*'  -»j  >'  !(■.»•.',-./ 


''^      n-j-'j-'jji^i  Y^ 


it-'ic- 


i^ft-.? 


The  Same  to  the  Sdme.^        '%#*<<  ^^?r#\ 

' v"  s  -     -      /  ' i         ^(rarf  Quarters,  Buffalo,  Mvember  8th,  1814.. 

.■   ••        .    SIR)  ..-V'^v'-S-       S;'-*      "■      ■  ;:V:''  .''^     ■;».  ■**'«Ir]j!' 

On  the  Sd  instant  I  had  notice  that  the  British  fleet 
was  again  at  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara,  and  landing 
troops:  and  stores.  My  informant  stated  several  pieces 
of  heavy  ordnance,  and  fifteen  hundred  men  to  have 
passed  that  morning  from  fort  George  to  Queenstown 
Heights.  The  enemy  however  advanced  no  force  beyond 
Frenchman's  Creek.  All  appeared  quiet  in  the  vicinity  of 
his  position.  On  the  morning  of  the  5th,  every  thing  hav- 
ing been  removed  from  fort  Erie,  and  the  preparations 
for  its  destruction  being  completed,  the  small  remaining 
garrison  was  embarked,  and  soon  afterwards  the  bastions 
were  blown  up; — it  is  thoroughly  demolished.  The  enemy 
were  not  aware  of  what  had  been  done  for  more  than 
twenty- four  hours  afterwards.  The  whole  of  my  force  is 
now  in  the  vicinity  of  this  village,  engaged  in  construct- 
ing huts.  The  cantonment  will  be  finished  in  about  three 
weeks.  The  scarcity  of  forage  has  induced  me  to  send 
the  dragoons  to  the  Genesee  country;  where  they  will  be 
kept  better,  and  at  one  fourth  of  the  expense.  I  have  des- 
patched Lieutenant  Colonel  Ball,  and  an  officer  of  the 
Quartermaster  General's  department,  to  select  the  ground 
for  their  winter  quarters;  and  in  the  mean,  time  they  have 
moved  to  Williamsville,  where  there  is  provender  suffi- 
cient for  a  few  days.  The  construction  of  the  hospital  at 
the  latter  place,  has  been  delayed  by  jealousies,  and  quar- 
rels, between  the  surgeons,  and  the  Quartermaster's  de- 
partment of  General  Brown's  division.  It  is  far  from  ready 
Jbr  the  reception  of  the  sick  and  wounded,  who  remain 


■■:^A-»-t  r.".'?!*  :LaV5*'»^" 


^■'•(■^.jf'ifx: 


^e^^.ub4ii>mtf 


Vtf''  -""'.T^.'  ■■*•"'  ■"'"»'*  ' 


^T.ri^: 


115 

principally  under  tents.  By  the  advice  of  Doctor  Bull, 
senior  surgeon,  I  have  directed  such  as  could  bear  the 
transportation,  to  be  conveyed  to  Greenbush  in  wagons;— 
amon^  these  will  be  the  wounded  British  prisoners.  But 
the  remaining  number  is  distressingly  great;  there  are  yet 
nearly  two  thousand  men  on  the  surgeon's  list. 

No  information  has  reached  me  from  the  westward, 
since  my  last  to  you  of  the  2d  instant.  If  the  flotilla  were 
here,  I  would  immediately  detach  a  thousand  or  twelve 
hundred  men  to  Detroit  by  land — it  is  now  impracticable. 
The  dispersion  of  troops,  assembled  with  so  much  trouble 
and  difficulty,  would  be  an  ui^ileasant  measure;  but  I  know 
no  other  means  of  protecting  Detroit  from  an  attack, — 
which  seems  to  me  not  an  improbable  event.  The  enemy 
will,  I  believe,  notwithstanding  their  now  very  superior 
numbers,  be  disposed  to  let  this  part  of  the  frontier  alone. 
With  such  a  fair  opportunity  as  was  repeatedly  offered 
them  on  the  Canada  side  of  the  strait  to  meet  us,  Idoubt 
their  inclination  to  resume  the  offensive,  especially  in  this 
ruined  country.  There  is  however  a  greater  probability  of 
their  sending  a  force  to  the  westward.  On  the  subject  of 
the  preparations  by  General  M' Arthur  and  governor  Cass, 
I  am  entirely  destitute  of  information.  .  f     -^y 

The  troops  under  my  immediate  command  being  now 
engaged  in  constructing  their  huts,  and  the  final  disposi- 
tion being  made  of  the  various  detachments  and  garrisons, 
there  will  remain  in  a  short  time  nothing  on  this  frontier, 
to  require  my  presence.  The  attention  of  government 
will  probably  be  immediately  directed  to  the  operations 

of  the  next  campaign. If  it  is  the  intention  of  the 

President  to  honour  me  with  the  command  of  the  9th 
district  during  the  next  season,  it  will  be  all-important 
that  I  should  employ  the  winter  months  in  making  such 
arrangements,  as  will  enable  us  to  take  the  field,  and  seize 


r  1 


u 


'  \ 


n 


i.^«,. 


J' 


,M:A>^ 


V, 


•iSf 


if  ^^- 


Pi 


]■ 


^4 ' 


J16 

iome  strong  positions  early  ia  the  spring.  Much  is  to  be 
lione  in  every  depanment  of  the  army.  System  must  be  en- 
fbrceid  in  ^e  various  braiiches  of  the  Or4nance,  Clothing, 
Qiartermaster's,  Suiigeon's  and  Pay  departmcntsi  IncfU- 
cukible  expense  is  produced  by  the  present  disorgimized 
state  of  things.  The  staff  of  die  army  isoa  a  very  ujspleasant 
footing*  No  regular  course  of  discipline,  and  instruction  is 
&Uowed  i^  the  troops.  Much  may  be  done  in  the  next  five 
f)r  six  months;  bui  it  must  be  quiokJy  commeoced,  to  be 
«f  ipennanent  advantage.  I  could,  at  Philadelphia,  commu- 
Bicftte  more  rapidly  witu  the  department  of  wai,  and  there 
<8U{>enntend  the  various  supplies  required  for  the  frontier: 
At  the  same  time  I  should  have  an  opportunity  of  paying 
fiome  attention  to  my  health,  whicli  has  suSered  coasi- 
derably  by  the  two  last  campaign^,  and  the  restoration  of 
which  I  can  scarcely  hope  for,  if  I  remaiin  the  winter  in 
this  uiclement  Ornate.  ' 

I  am,  8cc. 


r-: 


l-i   ft 


;'f4*¥s?s^^-^;*iy/' ■■>•<■' ■■J*'.''--    p' 


!*■■ 


-.-  V 


\  ■ . 


■r 

\       •  J' 


A'   ^'■ 


-u 


S,;i.'     .-tJJ^t.:  ■■-.a     "-."-.j. 


■5  V. 


-  V 


W 

hiai^^^  ,;H:^^v  ^.^^ilfefe'  ^M\.-A-  *■  -fl-Wiir  -:;•••  "v.;^»%:*^t'?:^*f^^M> 

vifi^t    The  Secretary  at  War  lo  Major  General  Izard.    ^ 


Sj!i. 


'?«.■.> i-i  itA-^^-^y- 


■4^'#  . 


ITar  Defiarttnentt  Mtvtmber  9/A,  ltt4. 


SIR, 


I  HAD  the  honour  to  receive  your  letter  of  the  2d  in- 
stant yesterday,  and  am  much  gratified  to  find  that  yoii 
had  withdrawn  the  greater  part  and  intend  to  withdraw 
the  whole  of  your  force  from  the  north  of  the  strait.  With> 
out  a  commanding  force  on  that  side  of  the  strait^  I  see 
no  essential  advantage  in  holding  the  post  of  Erie.  By- 
keeping  our  force  on  this  side,  we  shall  secure  it,  and  as 
I  presume  compel  the  enemy  to  retain  as  many  troops  on 
the  other  as  if  vve  had  remained  there.  A  small  force  at 
fort  Erie,  would  form  little  if  any  check,  on  the  operations 
of  the  enemy  against  Detroit,  should  such  be  in  contem- 
plation. The  President  therefore  approves  of  the  removal 
of  your  whole  force,  under  existing  circumstances  to  this 
9ide  of  the  strait. 

The  probability  that  the  enemy  may  attempt  to  recover 
the  command  of  lake  Erie,  and  the  waters  above  it,  of 
Maiden  and  Detroit,  and  to  destroy  our  vessels  and  stores 
at  the  village  of  Erie  (Presqu*  Isle)  excites  great  uneasi- 
ness. This  must  be  prevented;  we  have  ample  means  to 
retain  what  we  have,  and  to  fill  the  enemy  with  just  ap- 
prehensions for  his  own  safety  through  the  winter,  and  to 
confirm  his  most  unfavourable  anticipations  on  the  open- 
ing of  the  next  campaign.  I  must  request  that  you  will 
look  to  the  post  of  Erie,  and  see  that  it  is  made  secure. 

Strict  geographical  limits  in  military  command  involve 
an  obscurity  that  was  not  thought  of  when  the  arrange- 
ment of  military  districts  was  formed.  The  protection  of 
oui'  own  people  and  overthrow  of  the  enemy  are  the  great 


I  ■    ■  ■  1 


.t-t 


[ 


■  ( 


P"''', 


118     , 

objects.  Fix  your  attention  on'all  the  enemy's  movements 
in  the  direction  stated,  and  afford  all  the  protection  in  your 
power  to  every  exposed  part 'of  the  country.  Communicate 
to  General  M 'Arthur  every  incident  that  occurs,  that  may 
deserve  attention.  By  this  I  do  not  mean  to  curtail  your 
command  in  any  point  to  which  it  was  heretofore  extended. 

•  ^i-:f..vr,:v^&,:r'r--fmHe,'m        I  have  thc  honOUr,  &C.      ii*-' ■•  f.  7* -W^ 


'¥'n'-- 


ml'l 


.«!-^'.'-  ^  ■;■>■:  t^,'4,S'.'H!^r'' 


Major  General  Izqrd  to  the  Secretary  at  War, 


SIR, 


n.  Q.  Buffala^  Abv.  17,  1814. 


Nothing  of  interest  has  occurred  here  since  my  last. 
Rumours,  from  several  quarters,  lead  to  the  belief  that 
Brigadier  General  M* Arthur  has  made  an  incursion  in 
the  upper  province.  My  only  information  on  the  subject 
is  derived  from  persons  lately  from  the  other  side,  who 
have  been  permitted  to  join  their  families  in  this  part  of 
the  country.  Where,  when,  and  with  what  force,  I  am 
entirely  ignorant  of.  The  express  I  sent  to  him  on  the  1st 
instant,  has  not  returned. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Sinclair,  U.  S.  Navy,  dated  Erie 
Koads,  7th  November,  reached  me  on  the  13th,  at  night. 
He  applies  for  marines,  and  a  guard  for  naval  stores.  I  was 
glad  to  know  where  to  direct  to  him,  and  despatched  an 
express  informing  him,  that  "  if  he  deems  it  practicable, 
and  consonant  to  his  instructions,  a  detachment  of  troops 
should  be  embarked  for  Detroit  as  soon  as  he  should  be 
ready  to  take  them  on  board.'*  The  roads  must  be  very 
bad,  or  the  messenger  would  have  returned  ere  this. 

Brigadier  General  Smith,  on  his  urgent  request,  had 
leave  of  absence,  on  our  recrossing  the  strait.   He  had 


,}  f 


.•'.^,', 


119 

been  absent  several  years  from  his  famr'  and  is  gone  to 
Tennessee.  I  had  no  particular  reasons  for  wishing  to  de- 
tain him. 

Brigadier  General  Bissell  is  in  ill  health,  and  presses  for 
a  similar  indulgence.  I  wrote  on  his  subject  to  the  war 
office  on  the  8th  instant.  To  obviate  the  inconvenience  of 
leaving  this  division  without  general  officers,  I  have  order- 
ed Brigadier  Gen.  Winder  to  repair  hither  from  Sackett's 
Harbour.  I  expect  him  about  the  end  of  this  month. . 


I  am,  &c. 


f 


^i^iC 


\  ,  .. 


^Ar.-  \.\  tjii: 


From  the  Same  to  the  Same. 


,;«; 


SIR, 


Buffalo,  A*ov.  20,  1814.'  ' 


I  L  AS  r  evening  received  your  despatch  of  the  9th.  The 
arrangements  you  direct  are  progressing,  and  I  hope  to 
send  a  detachment  in  a  couple  of  days  to  Erie.  On  the 
weather  will  depend  the  practicability  of  executing  them 
in  time.  By  the  next  post  I  will  detail  my  proceedings. 

It  is  exceedingly  satisfactory  to  find  that  my  conduct 
has  met  the  approbation  of  the  president  and  your  own. 
There  are  few  attractions  in  our  career; — the  reward  that 
I  have  it  most  at  heart  to  obtain  is  (with  the  consciousness 
of  having  done  my  duty)  the  applause  of  the  government 
which  employs  me,  and  of  the  honest  and  independent 
portion  of  the  community.     ******** 

*  *  *  *  The  success  of  the  next  campaign  on  this 
frontier  will,  in  a  great  measure,  depend  on  concert  and  a 
good  understanding  among  the  superior  officers.  The 
proximity  in  rank  between  Major  General  Brown  and 


M 


■fi 


'i 


s 


«>4,'.  ,.,.-.  V,.,>A 


M, 


m 


y 


i2e    ; 

myself  cannot  but  make  him  feel  vnpleasantfjr  on  the 
subject  of  being  under  my  orders.  Nothing  m  words 
indicated  this  feeling  when  we  were  together  but  I  have 
good  reason  for  believing  that  there  is  a  strong  spirit  of 
jcalouiiy  existing  among  the  principal  officers  of  the  divi- 
sions formerly  designated  as  those  of  the  right  and  left. 
General  Brown  is  certainly  a  brare,  inteUigcitt  and  active 
officer*  Where  a  portion  of  the  forces  is  composed  of  ir- 
regular troops,  I  have  no  hesitation  in  acknowlcdgii^  my 
conviction  cf  his  being  better  qualified  than  I,  to  make 
them  useful  in  the  public  service.  He  is  a  resident  in  that 
part  of  the  Ninth  District  which  rau^t  become  the  center 
of  operations.  I  believe  that  he  would  duly  execute  the 
intentions  of  the  government  as  its  commander.  Should 
my  request,  that  he  be  appointed  in  my  place,  meet  with 
your  consent,  I  only  beg  in  addition  that  it  may  be  so 
done  as  to  show  to  the  army  and  the  public  that  the  mea- 
sure is  not  consequent  on  my  having  lost  the  confidi^nce 
of  government  Every  :'i  formation  and  assistance  which 
my  experience  and  observations  on  this  frontier  enable 
me  to  give,  shall  be  candidly  and  fully  communicated,  in 
order  to  contribute  to  the  success  of  such  operations  as 
may  be  undertaken.  ;. 

I  am  very  truly,  &c. 


>     \ 


V  i 


^  - 


■^ 


■"■■■Ty-- 


ISl 


I.       ' 


1^       The  Same  to  the  Same, 


SIR, 


BuffalOf  JVomem^r  26,  U>4> 


On  the  23d»  Colonel  Miller  with  the  17th  and  19th 
regiments  (consolidated)  marched  for  Erie.  The  extreme 
badness  of  the  roads,  and  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  teams, 
induced  me  to  send  his  baggage  in  bateaux.  The  latter 
can  accompany  the  troops  no  farther  tht^n  Cataraugus; 
from  thence  wagons  must  be  used.  An  officer  of  the 
q^uartermaster's  department  is  gone  for  the  purpose  of 
procuring  them.  The  aggregate  of  his  force  is  eight  hun- 
dred and  ^ixty-eight. 

To  cover  and  protect  the  stores  at  B^tavia,  I  have  de- 
tached a  battalion  of  dismounted  dragoons,  commanded 
by  Major  Helms,  tp  take  up  their  winter-quarters  near 
that  village.  Mr.  J.  Ellicott,  agent  for  the  Holland  Land 
Company,  offi^red  the  use  of  land  and  timber  for  such 
force  as  I  should  send  there.  Thisi  will  save  considerable 
expense  to  the  United  States. 

A  battalion  of  light  artillery,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Eustis,  is  stationed  at  Williamsville,  to  guard  the  exten- 
sive hospital  establishment  there. 

The  squadron  of  mounted  dragoons,  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Ball,  is  quartered,  for  the  convenience  of  forage, 
on  the  Genesee  river,  near  the  village  of  Avon. 

The  remainder  of  my  force  is  cantoned  in  the  vicinity 
of  this  place.  The  whole  of  the  infantry  on  the  margin  of 
lake  Erie,  near  Black  Rock.  The  barracks  are  erected  on 
land  belonging  to  the  state  of  New  York. 

Two  companies  of  artillery  occupy  the  batteries  cover- 
ing the  crossing  place;  the  remainder  of  that  corps,  armed 


i 


i 


'f 


p 

1 

1 

J)'  ^■ 

i 

!,l 

i 

R, 

I 


122 

as  infantry,  are  constructing  their  quarters  about  a  mile 
from  hence,  on  the  main  eastern  road,  so  as  to  command 
a  cross-road  leading  to  the  strait. 

The  rifle  corps,  under  Major  Selden,  is  in  the  advance, 
on  Conjockatis  creek. 

The  quartermaster's  department  is  reduced  to  the 
greatest  difliculty  by  the  want  of  funds.  Bi  igadier  General 
Swartwout  is  gone  to  Albany,  to  attend  to  this  important 
subject.  Here  the  Deputy  Quartermaster  General  hus  been 
obliged  to  raise  money,  on  his  own  responsibility,  to  meet 
current  demands. 

Part  of  the  troopy  have  been  without  pay  since  April 
last; — many  of  those  who  came  from  -Sackett's  Harbour 
have  yet  the  second  moiety  of  bounty  due  to  them.  The 
situation  of  the  officers,  who  have  now  particularly  need 
of  money  to  make  their  arrangements  for  the  winter,  is 
extremely  unpleasant. 

The  express  which  I  sent,  on  the  1st  instant,  to  Briga- 
dier General  M*Arthur  has  not  returned,  nor  have  I  heard 
any  thing  authentic  of  that  officer. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 


& 


Tt 


12S 


ancCy 

the 

neral 

jrtant 

been 

meet 


SIR, 


The  Same  to  the  Same. 


Nead-Quartera,  Buffalo,  JVovembcr  27,  1814. 


Last  night  an  express  from  Erie  brought  me  letters 
from  Brigadier  General  M' Arthur  and  Captain  Sinclair. 
The  former  received  my  letter  of  the  1st  on  his  return  to 
Detroit,  and  gives  me  in  his  of  the  iSth  a  brief  account  of 
his  expedition. 

m    *    Mt    ^^    ^    ^t    «    *iit*min*iit*m 

I  am  respectfully,  &c. 


•     .A 


i 


The  Secretary  at  fVar  to  Major  General  Izard. 


SIR» 


War  Defiartment,  JVbvember  24,  1814, 


You  were  inadvertently,  on  my  part,  put  on  the  court, 
martial  to  sit  at  Utica  for  the  trial  of  General  Wilkinson. 
The  importance  of  the  command  at  the  strait. of  Niagara, 
and  its  extensive  relations  and  bearings,  make  it  improper 
that  you  should  leave  it.  I  have  therefore  ordered  that 
some  other  officer  be  appointed  to  the  court  in  your 
stead,  and  have  to  request  that  you  remain  in  command 
of  your  district.  To  the  letter  recently' received,  I  shall 
have  the  honour  to  give  you  an  early  answer.  I  think  pro- 
per to  intimate  at  this  time,  my  regret,  at  seeing  so  many 
officers  of  the  line,  some  of  these  held  in  high  estimation, 
withdrawing  on  furlough  from  the  army;  we  have  much 
reason  to  apprehend  that  the  enemy  will  make  an  attack 


'..'*/'■■"*»,. 


"V;:-yfV 


n 


124 

on  some  of  the  points  within  your  district  in  the  course  of 
the  winter. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c 


SIR, 


The  Same  to  the  Same, 


Department  of  Wavt  JVovemier  26,  1814. 


We  have  just  heard  from  Colonel  Smith,  at  present  in 
command  at  Plattsburg,  that  Sir  George  Prevost  was  en- 
gaged in  embarking  from  Canada  for  the  East  end  of 
Long  Island,  by  Halifax,  six  thousand  troops,  to  be  com- 
manded by  General  Powers,  who  is  now  at  Halifax.  Re- 
cent accounts  from  England  state  that  thirteen  sail,  con- 
sisting of  ships  of  the  line,  frigateii  and  other  vessels,  had 
left  Plymouth  for  the  United  States,  early  in  September, 
with  several  thousand  men.  It  seems  probable  that  these 
two  detachments  will  unite  at  Halifax,  and  move  ugainst 
the  same  object.  Ne^- York  may  be  that  object.  The  idea 
is  prevalent  that  the  enemy  have  a  very  strong  force  in  Cana- 
da, upwards  of  thirty  thousand  men,  and  that  they  contem- 
plate an  attack  on  some  or  all  of  our  posts,  more  particu- 
larly Plattsburg  and  Sackett's  Harbour,  with  intention  to 
cQ'Operate  with  the  force  that  may  be  expected  on  the 
coast  from  England. 

At  New-York  the  regular  force  is  inconsiderable.  At 
Plattsburg  it  is  equally  weak.  It  is  thought  by  the  Presi- 
dent, painful  as  it  is  to  move  any  part  of  the  troops  from 
Bufialo,  that  it  is  desirable  that  you  should  detach  one 
t^^oy^sand  men  to  Greenbush,  to  be  prepared  to  move 
them  to  any  point  at  which  the  enemy  may  present  him- 
self. In  executing  this  measure,  it  will  be  proper  that  you 


ki:-:^[ 


125 

have  sleighs  prepared  for  their  transportation,  to  take 
advantage  of  the  first  snow  that  falls. 

This  order  is  not  intended  to  be  positivte.  Although  the 
occasion  is  considered  urgent,  yet  its  execution  is  left  dis- 
cretionary with  you.  Should  you  have  detached  any  part 
of  your  force  for  Detroit  or  Erie,  a  compliance  with  it  will 
be  more  difficult.  In  case  you  have  sent  no  troops  to  either 
of  these  places,  I  have  to  request  that  you  apprize  General 
M* Arthur  of  your  inability  to  do  it,  and  the  governors  of 
Ohio  and  Pennsylvania  of  the  importance  and  exposed 
situation  of  Erie,  our  flotilla  being  there,  and  call  for  such 
troops  from  either  or  both,  as  may  secure  it. 

I  shall  be  glad  to  receive  your  opinion  of  the  propriety 
of  retaining  our  force  at  BuiFalo,  or  on  the  strait.  It  appears 
to  me  that  there  is  little  to  defend  there,  and  that  our  fu- 
ture operations  cannot  weU  commence  there  with  a  view 
to  any  important  effect.  While  it  is  retained,  the  force 
must  be  adequate  to  the  object.  Whenever  it  is  with- 
drawn, the  stores  should  be  first  moved  to  some  other 
place  of  safety. 

In  examining  this  question  it  will  claim  attention,  what 
force  will  the  enemy  keep  there  this  wirrter,  and  whether 
it  be  for  defensive  or  ofiensive  operations?  at  what  point  or 
points  the  force  which  may  be  left  in  case  of  a  change  for 
the  protection  of  that  frontier  should  be  stationed,  and 
what  number  would  be  sufiicient?  If  the  enemy  withdraw 
a  part  of  their  forces  from  Canada  to  attack  our  sea- board 
during  the  winter,  and  more  especially  if  they  contemplate 
a  combined  operation  of  the  kind  suspected,  we  shall  be 
much  embarrassed  if  we  cannot  draw  to  our  aid  some 
portion  of  our  regular  force  from  places  where  it  may  be 
inactive. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 


i 


':-Xii 


I  wr^  -. 


'5''i>:--?^.v}'  'VP^'' 


-'Ki;' 


126 


Major  General  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  fFar. 


SIR, 


Buffalo^  December  16,  i  M4. 


.#' 


Your  letters  of  the  24th  and  26th  November  arrived  by 
the  express  mail  late  last  evening.  The  cause  of  this  ex- 
traordinary delay  is  stated  to  be  the  badness  of  the  roads; 
I  cannot  however  believe  that  this  alone  has  detained  the 
mail.  Permit  me  to  answer  your  communications  in  the 
order  of  their  dates.  .    - 

The  circumstance  of  so  many  officers  being  absent  from 
the  army  is  a  serious  evil,  and  calls  for  a  remedy  from  the 
highest  authority.  I  had  the  honour  to  express  my  opinion 
on  this  subject  in  my  letter  to  you  of  the  28th  September 
from  Batavia.  What  I  had  witnes£*?d  on  the  frontier  last 
winter  made  me  apprehend  a  repetition  of  the  same  incon- 
venience; and  I  have  exposed  myself  to  the  ill-will  of  many 
individuals  by  resisting  their  importunities.  I  am  at  some 
loss  to  know  whether  the  officers  in  high  estimation,  whose 
withdrawal  you  mention,  are  supposed  to  be  from  the  army 
under  my  immediate  command.  I  beg  leave  to  assure  you 
that  this  is  a  mistake.  No  officer  of  rank,  whose  services 
could  be  considered  important,  has  had  leave  of  absence 
except  on  account  of  health.  Brigadier  General  Smith  had 
made  application  several  months  ago;  the  circumstance  of 
Colonel  Miller's  being  the  next  senior  officer  in  his  bri- 
gade justified  its  being  granted  when  we  recrossed  the 
strait,  as  I  had  reason  to  believe  him  competent  to  the 
command  which  devolved  on  him. — The  movement  of 
his  regiment  to  Erie  has  deprived  us  of  his  assistance. 
Brigadier  General  Bissell  is  seriously  ill,  and  has  been  de- 
tailed for  the  court-martial  at  Utica.  Besides  these  two 


hi 


aC^ii; ''-(L.V  .i. 


127 

officers,  none  who  were  not  supernumeraries  have  been 
permitted  to  leave  the  frontier,  except  by  orders  from  the 
Adjutant  and  Inspector's  Office  at  fVashington.  The  latter 
have  in  some  cases  been  sent  to  officers  whose  applications 
had  been  refused  here.  For  what  has  been  done  at  the 
other  stations  of  this  district  I  cannot  answer,  as  I  have 
been  left  entirely  uninformed  of  transactions  there.  Of 
Brigajiier  General  Macomb's  absence  from  Plattsburg  I 
knew  nothing  until  I  received  a  letter  from  him  dated 
Albany,  stating  that  he  had  the  Secretary  at  JFar's  per- 
mission to  visit  his  friends.  Brigadier  General  Winder  was 
ordered  to  join  me  here; — the  last  mail  brought  me  notice 
that  he  was  summoned  to  New-York  to  attend  a  court- 
martial.  There  are  in  consequence  of  these  arrangements 
(over  which  I  have  had  no  control)no  general  officersforduty 
on  the  whole  northern  frontier  besides  General  Brown  and 
myself.  Brigadier  Bissell's  brigade  is  now  commanded  by 
Colonel  Pearce  of  the  16th  infantry,  and  Brigadier  Smith's 
by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Clinch,  of  the  10th;  these  are  the 
only  two  officers  of  this  division  above  the  rank  of 
Majors. 

The  inconvenience  of  this  state  of  things  is  great  and 
sensibly  felt  by  me  personally.  Averse  from  troubling 
you  with  details,  while  I  know  the  multiplicity  of  weighty 
matters  which  engage  you,  I  intended  to  defer  the  men- 
tion of  this  and  several  other  subjects  until  I  should  have 
the  advantage  of  seeing  you.  The  truth  is,  that  my  com- 
mand, though  nominally  over  the  9th  district,  does  not 
extend  beyond  the  division  with  which  I  am  present;  and 
if  I  am  to  construe  literally  some  of  the  orders  which 
have  been  transmitted  to  me  by  colonel  J.  R.  Bell,  Inspec- 
tor General  and  by  Brigadier  General  D.  Parker,  Adju- 
tant and  Inspector  General,  it  is  so  understood  at  the  war 
office.    The  former  addresses  me  as  commanding  the  se- 


fc:^-^r-^«^»*.  ^  .»_-,>-^  *!*-.«*»-*.  *r- 


.  •  »•  » ^  •**"'  V    ^ —  —  <-* 


-".i^  .'•'■:^•>»  ..-,_ 


■/^ 


>«* 


i''  ■■Hi"' 


W-'L 


■,:\  ( 


12a 

cond  division  of  the  Northern  Army;  the  latter  directs  me 
to  remain  in  the  command  of  the  army  at  Buffah^  (in 
General  Orders  of  the  25th  November,)  and  sends  to  my 
Adjutant  General  an  order  for  an  officer  of  my  staff  to 
proceed  to  Plattsburg  without  any  reference  to  me. 

The  movement  of  so  considerable  a  portion  of  my  force 
as  1000  men  from  this  point  to  Greenbush  will  be  attended 
at  this  season  with  great  difficulty.  The  distance  is  more 
than  three  hundred  miles,  and  there  are  no  quarters  for 
them  on  the  road.  They  have  very  lately  completed  their 
barracks.  A  small  part  only  of  their  winter  clothing  has 
been  received.  The  Quartermaster  General  is  entirely 
destitute  of  funds.  I  will  however  immediately  take  mea- 
sures for  despatching  the  force  required,  though  I  shall 
defer  putting  it  in  motion  until  I  hear  again  from  you. 

On  the  subject  of  the  propriety  of  retaining  our  force 
at  Buffiilo  or  on  the  strait,  (respecting  which  you  desire 
my  opinion,)  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  it  seems 
to  me  an  error  to  have  carried  on  our  operations  at  a  point 
so  distant  from  our  sources  of  supply.  Between  the  Nia- 
gara and  Genesee  rivers  there  is,  as  you  justly  observe, 
little  to  defend.  The  country  is  thinly  settled  and  incapa- 
ble of  aflfording  subsistence  for  an  army  even  of  the  smal- 
lest size.  The  position  we  now  occupy  is  an  admirable 
site  for  a  fortress,  and  (did  one  exist,  in  which  stores  might 
be  accumulated  without  danger)  it  would  become  the 
centre  from  which  military  operations  against  Upper  Ca- 
nada might  be  undertaken  with  effisct.  But  in  the  present 
circumstances  of  this  frontier,  I  can  discern  no  advantage 
in  keeping  a  large  force  here.  The  enemy  might  indeed 
pohbtss  himself  of  it;  but  every  step  he  takes  into  the 
ir.ierior  will  multiply  his  difficulties.  There  is  at  present 
one  important  oljject  gained  by  our  being  here; — the 
cnemv  has  been  induced  to  keep  a  much  larger  force  in 


^A. 


."<' 


,  v.if  ^Ti^'r  .1.    ■-  -^x    ■  _  --.;-    lf^' 


,'-'     v.* 


129 

our  vicinity  than  heretofore.  From  the  best  accounts  I 
can  obtain  he  has  not  less  than  five  thousand  men  on 
the  Niagara,  besides  strong  detachments  at  BurKngton 
Heights  and  at  York.  These  he  subsists  at  great  expense 
and  with  much  trouble.  The  four  voyages  which  the 
whole  British  fleet  made  from  Kingston  to  Niagara  were 
principally  for  the  transportation  of  stores  to  the  latter 
place.  I  do  not  believe  that  they  will  move  from  thence 
this'winter;  indeed  I  doubt  if  they  have  it  in  their  power. 
By  water  it  is  impossible;  and  by  land,  besides  the  seve- 
rity of  the  weather,  they  would  encounter  great  difficulty 
in  conveying  the  necessary  supplies. 

Although  I  doubt  the  fact  of  the  British  force  in  Ca- 
nada amounting  to  thirty  thousand  regulars,  it  is  certain 
that  they  will  find  it  very  inconvenient  to  feed  even  a  con- 
siderably less  number  duriiig  the  long  winter  of  this 
country.  It  is  therefore  not  improbable  that  the  detach- 
ments to  Halifax  may  be  for  the  purpose  of  wintering 
there  in  consequence  of  the  readier  communication  with 
Europe.  The  navigation  to  that  port  is,  I  believe,  never 
interrupted,  though  it  may  be  more  dangerous  at  some 
seasons  than  at  others. 

With  respect  to  iae  frontier  from  Lake  Champlain  to 
Lake  Ontario,  the  enemy  can  undoubtedly  penetrate  at 
any  point  between  Plattsburg  and  Sackett's  Harbour.  I 
do  believe,  however,  that  both  these  posts  are  safe.  There 
are  at  least  three  thouss^nd  regulars  at  each  of  them.  If  they 
invade  our  territory,  it  will  (in  my  opinion)  be  for  the 
purpose  of  occupying  both  shores  of  the  St.  Lawrence. 
It  seems  to  me  very  improbable  that  they  will  advance  into 
the  interior.  The  possession  of  the  right  bank  of  the  St. 
Lawrence  is  all- important  to  them,  and  therefore  it  is  that 
the  object  of  our  first  operations  next  campaign  should  be 
the  establishment  of  a  respectable  fortress  on  that  river^ 


i  w 


\ 

1     ^^ 

•      1^ 

1 

■I 

^^^ 


\    I 


i' 


130 


which  would  interrupt  its  navigation  artd  thus  paralyze  the 
Upper  Province.   ^  ,         ,.. 

I  am,  &c. 

'  ■,.!■'  ■'V.,.: 


2^  > 


rill 


!/  ^ 


I 


7%e  Same  to  the  Same, 


BuffalOy  beer.  18/A,  1814. 


SIR, 


The  present  state  of  this  frontier  admits  of  my  retiring 
from  it  without  inconvenience  to  the  public  service;  I  may 
therefore  without  any  sacrifice  of  duty  prefer,  through  you, 
my  request  to  the  President  that  he  will  be  pleased  to  ac- 
cept the  resignation  of  my  commission  as  a  Major-Gene> 
ral  in  the  army  of  the  United  States. 

Considerations  of  a  private  nature  (though  urgent)  do 
not  alone  induce  me  to  take  this  measure,  which  I  fear 
will  be  disapproved  by  some  of  my  friends,  among  the 
most  distinguished  of  whom  I  have  long  been  proud  to 
consider  yourself;  I  hope,  however,  at  a  future  moment, 
to  satisfy  them  of  the  propriety  of  my  proceeding* 

I  am  fully  aware  that  attempts  have  been  made  to  lessen 
the  confidence  of  government,  as  well  as  of  the  publrc,  in 
my  ability  to  execute  the  important  duties  entrusted  to 
me,—- duties  which  were  imposed  unexpectedly  and  much 
against  my  inclination.  It  is  therefore  not  improbable  that 
my  voluntary  retirement  will  relieve  the  department  of 
war  from  some  embarrassment,  and  that  my  individual 
satisfaction  will  accord  with  the  public  advantagft;  especi- 
ally as  my  view  of  the  connexion  between  military  com- 
mand and  responsibility  differs  materially  from  that  enter- 
tained by  persons  in  high  authority. 


"i'^'y'i'^^^.^T,-^ 


zethe 


131 

You  will  add  to  the  many  favours,  for  which  I  am  sin* 
cerely  grateful  to  you,  by  obtaining  for  me  with  as  little 
delay  as  possil>le  the  President's  permission  to  withdraw 
from  the  service,  as  both  my  health  and  domestic  affairs 
require  my  presence  with  my  family. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be.  See. 


The  Same  to  the  Same. 


^i 


SIR, 


Buffalo,  January  1«;,  1815. 


In  my  despatch  of  the  16th  December,  I  stated  to  you 
that  I  should  defer  putting  the  detachment  you  directed  to 
Greenbush  in  motion  until  I  heard  again  from  you.  Pre- 
parations were  however  immediately  commenced,  and  as 
it  is  uncertain  if  the  same  means  of  transportation  could 
ag^in  without  considerable  additional  expense  be  procured 
in  the  winter,  (although  I  have  nut  received  any  further 
orders)  I  determined  to  send  on  the  troops.  With  the  view 
of  facilitating  their  progress  and  accommodation  on  the 
route,  they  proceed  in  parties  of  about  two  hundred  each, 
at  intervals  of  twenty-four  hours.  The  whole  effective 
force  consists  of  between  one  thousand  and  eleven  hundred 
men,  of  the  following  regiments:  the  light  artillery,  dis- 
mounted dragogns,  and  the  14th  infantry.  They  will  ar- 
rive at  Greenbush  before  the  middle  of  this  month.  The 
commanding  Qfficer  at  that  post  is  ordered  to  prepare  quar- 
ters for  their  reception. 

I  beg  leave  to  request  your  attention  to  the  several  let- 
ters I  have  had  the  honour  of  addres'iing  to  you  in  the  last 
six  weeks, — an(l  remain  with  great  respect,  &c. 


N  J 


.  ii''' 


'.Ti^-fiM^'- 


W.i 


%  ' 


h\ 


M.    - 


I  / 


T 


<4(t.       !«. 


i^ftl 


.it- 


las 


^^AJ*' 


rW 


SIR, 


The  Same  to  the  Same.  ^>-    **f  ^ 

,,;^f*.i  *u,  ,  Buffaloy  January  \it\^\5. 


The  removal  of  the  several  detachments  mentioned  in 
my  last  of  the  1st  instant  rendered  it  necessary  to  rephvce 
them  in  the  positions  they  had  held  by  other  troops.  The 
15th  regiment  occupies  the  post  at  Batavia  in  the  place  of 
the  dismounted  dragoons,  and  the  4th  regiment  is  now  sta- 
tioned at  Williamsville,  which  was  heretofore  guarded  by 
the  light  artillery.  A  detachment  composed  of  the  men  dis- 
charged from  the  hospital,  belonging  to  various  regiments 
of  the  division  commanded  by  M»jor  General  Brown,, 
(nearly  two  hundred  men)  has  also  left  us  to  join  their 
corps  at  Sackett's  Harbour.  ,«.:;,;. .-.i    .    .   :  ...,.  jv 

There  now  remain  in  the  vicinity  of  Buffalo,  one  brigade 
of  i:  fantry  (nearly  complete) — a  battalion  of  field  artillery 
— and  one  battalion  of  riflemen.  They  are  in  better  health 
than  has  been  usual  at  this  season  on  this  frontier, — are 
comfortably  clad,  and  well  hutted.  The  ordnance  stores  - 
are  removed  to  Batavia; — all  the  artillery,  not  in  use  as  a 
field- train  with  the  corps,  will  be  at  that  place  in  the  next 
week. 

I  have  directed  the  contractors  not  to  accumulate  pro- 
visions at  this  point;  there  are  now  as  much  as  will  suffice 
for  the  present  force  until  the  1st  of  March. 

The  Quartermaster's  Department  has  bc^en  sorely  press- 
ed for  funds.  Finding  there  were  sums  of  money  ip  the 
hands  of  officers  for  the  pay  and  recruiting  service,  as 
balances  of  unsettled  accounts,  I  recommf^nded  that  they 
should  pay  them  into  that  department,  which  I  directed  to 
give  receipts  for  them.  The  money  thus  obtained,  amount^ 


N. 


K 


s^ 


J.O^k'^-.:.^*.   .. 


i 


:.•>; 


133 

ing  to  about  ten  thousand  dollars,  alone  enabled  me  to 
move  the  troops  to  Greenbush. 

In  ordc  j  lessen  the  Expense  of  feeding  the  cattle  here 
(which  is  enormous)  I  have  caused  all  the  oxen  and 
horses,  that  could  possibly  be  dispensed  with,  to  be  sold  at 
auction;  this  has  not  only  relieved  us  from  considerable 
daily  expense,  but  added  something  to  our  disposable 
fund. 

More  than  six  months  have  elapsed  since  any  of  the 
troops  have  been  paid; — some  of  them  have  a  twelve- 
month's pay  due.  The  officers  suffer; — the  men  are  as- 
tonishingly  patient. — The  enemy  is  quiet.  I  can  learn 
nothing  of  interest  from" their  side  of  the  strait. 

Not  having  any  thing  to  call  for  immediate  attention 
here,'  I  purpose  in  a  few  days  to  visit  my  posts  eastward  of 
this  place  (at  one  of  which,  where  the  mounted  dragoons 
are  cantoned,  there  has  been  some  disturbance)  and  shall 
proceed  to  Utica  and  Greenbush,  in  the  hope  of  receiving 
(before  I  reach  the  latter)  an  answer  to  the  letter  I  had  the 
honour  of  addressing  to  you  on  the  18th  ultimo.  ,  -  , 
.  .       I  am,  8cc.  ■ 


•'■;'-l    ' 


n 


{:■!' 


J.!-..Ut.KC   '-'H" 


i  -r^;^' 


kl.. 


v^  \ 


1  1 


H, 


Tf    '' 


*(:■ 


(  i:-\ 


1S4 


'  s 


The  Secretary  at  fFar  to  Major  General  Ixqrd. 


91R, 


Department  ^f  Wary  January  8/A,  1815. 


Your  letter  of  the  18th  of  December  I  have  had  the 
honour  to  receive. 

The  object  of  this  is  to  request  you  to  repair  here 
without  delay,  after  making  the  best  arrangements  for 
the  command  pf  the  troops^  in  your  absencei,  in  jour 

power.   ""J  "■"_  .;"■'"       " ' ;.','"''  -•'■'••  ,— 

..  V  ,-      J  y^^^  ^^  honour,  &c. 


f 


.,K, ..    ,j,.     If,     ,  •     ,,'i,    c      kl     -:  ',     t 


y-.  »■ 


s  • ;  .«  ,^-'  •■ 


i».(  ■ ;,  Pv/t,.  At  .-i-J.'i-,,.    ,-,  i  '''1  '^  ' 


.-),-,  . 


■n 


I        *t    J     i . 


(     ,    ^im-. 


;<'■■:  ^i'f^ 


l't,''l 


t.  IV  r»- 


7/W  Same  to  the  Same* 


;■;;  .ti  ,,T-y\:  V'     '\''. 


»  .',»  i. 


^>V."4|'«"^!i     « 


(Private) 


WaahingtQUi  January  6,  1815. 


lisj;' 


DBAU  SIR, 

Of  the  opinion  entertained  by  the  President  of  your 
merit,  the  rank  with  which  you  have  been  honoured  is  a 
sufficient  proof.  Of  my  own  personal  respect  and  friend- 
ship  for  you,  your  letter  of  the  18th  ultimo,  satisfies  me 
that  you  have  entire  confidence. — On  the  subject  of  that 
letter  it  is  thought  most  advisable  to  make  no  decision 
until  an  opportunity  is  offered  for  a  personal  interview, 
and  free  and  friendly  communication.  It  is  with  that  view 
that  an  order  to  you  to  repair  here  is  enclosed. 

With  great  respect  and  esteem,  &c. 


i 


K..-.-. 


K;:^:*;,;' 


^; 


^Atija*!  &.^ 


135 


u 


The  Same  to  the  ^mt. 


/". 


SIR, 


Department  of  fVor,  Jonttary  13,  1815. 


I  FIND  by  a  letter  just  received  Arom  General  Ma6otnb 
that  he  is  in  great  apprehension  of  an  attack  from  the 
en^my,  at  Plattsburg  and  Whitehall.  It  would  be  morti- 
fying, if  after  the  former  repuL^e  ahd  all  the  warning^  We 
have  since  had,  these  posts  should  be  carried  by  the  enemy. 
I  trust  that  such  an  event  is  impossible;  yet  th6  tnost  ac- 
tive and  vigorous  measures  ought  to  be  taken  to  ptey^tH 
it.  General  Macomb  complains  that  he  is  destitute  of  at*- 
tillery,  and  under  the  absolute  necessity  of  drilling  infantry 
to  the  guns.  He  complains  also  that  Whitehall  is  unpro- 
tected.  I  have  to  request  that  you  will  change  the  route  of 
the  men  ^one  thousand)  heretofore  directed  to  Albany,  to 
Whitehall,  and  send  to  General  Macomb  all  the  artillery 
which  you  may  spare  with  safety  to  the  force  more  imme- 
diately under  your  command. 

t  have  the  honour  to  be,  He. 


t 


;VV" 


;hffeK><.i-'.V,./^.{;?"i^-:'  -V-  .  .  .  "v;"7*  '      \.,i:' ,.  ■ 


-tSIji^---'^- 


)  ^^r 


0 

1 


136 


.  '•     i 


■ifc", 


f.> 


Mq/or  Qeneral  Izard  to  the  Secretary  at  H^ar. 


.♦fV#>^, 


W--VIV 


SIR, 


■♦.'^jf.w^^i'^ 


C//ica,  January  31,  1815. 


I H  A  VE  had  the  honour  of  receiving  your  letters  of  the  8th 
and  12th  instant.  Mine  of  the  first  will  have  informed  you 
of  the  march  of  the  detachments  directed  to  Greenbush. 
They  all  arrived  at  their  place  of  destination  in  tlie  middle 
of  this  month.  The  posts  at  Williamsville,  Batavia  and 
Genesee  river  are  in  good  order;  the  troops  remarkably 
healthy. — I  shall  visit  Greenbush,  and  proceed  with ,  is 
little  delay  as  possible  to  Philadelphia..  >(-<);' 


1\ 
t 

... '  ''  i.              '■       *      '  ■ 

1  am,  sir,  &c. 

■  ''■'■h'. 

i   s 

rr- 

'          '\'*'  i'^X-  ■.!.' 

"     .'•' 

.'h  V.  V.-i; 
\    . 

■■■' 

■n 

The  Same  to  the  Same. 

* 

SIR. 

FAitadelfihiaf  Feb. 

1  '* 

11/A, 

1815. 

It  appeared  by  the  last  accounts  I  had  at  Albany  from 
the  Champlain  frontier,  that  considerable  detachments  had 
been  made  by  the  enemy  from  the  lower  province,  and 
that  the  apprehensions  at  Plattsburg  had  subsided.  Of  the 
state  of  the  forces  at  that  post  I  have  been  left  uninform- 
ed for  several  months.  I  can,  however,  estimate  them  at 
not  less  than  four  thousand  effectives.  I  ordered  from 
Greenbush  and  Whitehall  some  companies  of  the  6th  and 
29th  infantry  to  join  their  regiments  under  Major  General 
Macomb.  A  strong  detachment  of  the  15th  was  at  the 
same  time  forwarded  to  Whitehall,  where  they  will  join 
one  or  two  companies  of  that  corps  under  Major  Youngs, 


137 

and,  with  a  body  of  riflemen  already  there,  they  will  be 
more  than  sufficient  for  the  security  of  that  station. 

There  arc  at  Plattsburg  two  companies  of  the  corps  of 
artillery.  These  are  amply  adequate  to  the  service  of  the 
pieces  there, — and  the  circumstance  of  attaching  infantry 
to  guns  is  customary  in  all  armies.  I  would  have  sent 
from  Greenbush  the  light  artillery, — but  this  corps,  com- 
posed almost  entirely  of  recruits  of  last  spring,  has,  by 
orders  from  the  late  secretary  at  war,  been  armed  and 
disciplined  only  as  infantry. 

I  shall  pass  two  or  three  days  with  my  family,  from 
which  I  have  been  absent  almost  a  twelvemonth,  and 
hasten  to  present  my  respects  to  you  at  Washington. 

I  have  the  honour,  8cc. 


I*i^om  the  Secretary  at  War  to  Major  General  Izard, 


SIR, 


War  Dejiartrnent,  Feb.  22,  1815. 


You  will  proceed  to  Philadelphia,  and  remain  there 
iMitil  further  orders.  The  peace  which  has  just  taken  place 
lessens  the  motive  for  your  hastening  back  to  take  the 
command  you  have  hitherto  had  on  the  frontier;  though 
that  (except  in  directing  General  Macomb  to  report  to 
this  department  and,  in  your  absence,  to  General  Brown) 
remains  under  you  as  heretofore. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JAS.  MONROE. 


?.  ''I 


11 


K.  ' 


# 


J 


"'i-'.-,:TT*"**i'- ■".■'■"'"'  "f^,-^~T^''  ''o-V  »*       ""'  . ■■*\"/'-''v.*'"l'''-"' 


%^ 


■ 


APPENDIX. 


i 


... 

m  u 

r 

■  1 

* 

M^    m 

m  I 

■  ^*-.i. &^&i 


■"-'"^^••rw  VMf%^  p 


MW 


•* 


I  f  m 


:^'"^'» 


•  <  ^t^  ^»^A_fc.    1 


sr; 


APPENDIX. 


« 


Mi^or  General  Brisbane,  commanding  the  British  advance^ 
fto  Ma^ar  Qenerallzardy  commanding  U,  S,  Forces, 


SIR, 


Odeitovmt  16  Jiuguat^  1814. 


As  I  have  the  command  of  the  posts  opposite  to  you, 
aind  as  I  have  lately  arrived  from  a  coimtry  where  war 
was  carried  on  upon  a  great  scale,  and  in  the  most  hon- 
ourable manner,  I  beg  leave  to  propose  to  you  that  we 
should  follow  up  the  same  system  here.  I  regret  to  learn 
that  sentinels  are  fired  at,  as  well  as  solitary  individuals, 
which  I  never  before  heard  of.  If,  therefore,  you  will 
abdish  it  on  the  part  of  your  troops,  I  shall  pledge  myself 
for  iny  own.  Fix  your  own  boundary,  and  I  shall  occupy 
my  posts  accordingly,  and  shall  not  trespass  on  yours; 
withoi)t  which,  in  my  opinion,  neither  party  should  have 
recourse  to  a  petty  warfare  beneath  the  dignity  of  the 
nations  which  carry  it  on,  and  which  exists  amongst  no 
other  regular  armies.  It,  therefore,  remains  with  you  to 
abolish  what  can  only  aggravate  the  horrors  of  war  with- 
out benefiting  either  party:  or  by  adhering  to  a  mode  of 
warfare  that  must  lower  the  troops  that  practice  it  in  the 
eyes  of  the  world,  and  which  I  should  most  sincerely 
lament. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir. 

Your  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

Thos:"  BRISBANE, 

Maj,  Genl. 


'ifv-.':r^« 


■*.<(   t      I/.*."-  a 


142 


ANSWER. 


SIR, 


H.  Q.  Chazy^Augutt  17,  1 814. 


The  note  you  did  me  the  honour  to  address  to  me 
yesterday  was  received  in  the  evening.  You  will,  I  believe, 
on  inquiry,  find  that  the  practice  of  firing  on  sentinels  was 
not  commenced  by  the  American  troops  on  this  frontier. 
It  will  give  me  great  satisfaction  to  see  an  end  put  to  this 
savage  and  unsoldier-like  species  of  warfare.  Young  as 
we  are  in  war,  we  know  that  those  who  fight  their  coun- 
try's battles  may,  without  departing  from  duty,  be  govc;*n- 
ed  towards  its  enemies  by  a  sense  of  humanity, — ^and  that 
courtesy  is  not  incompatible  with  zeal  for  the  service  o^ 
our  government.  Disposed  to  esteem  the  brave  already 
distinguished  by  honourable  and  successful  military  ex- 
ploits, we  shall  endeavour  to  inspire  them  with  a  similar 
sentiment  for  troops,  whose  character  has  been  misunder- 
stood., and  whose  conduct  greatly  misrepresented. — What- 
ever mode  of  preventing  the  irregularities  alluded  to  shall 
appear  satisfactory  to  both  parties,  I  will  cause  to  be  en- 
forced, on  your  engaging  to  adopt  reciprocal  measures. 

I  am,  sir,  ^ 

Your  obed.  humble  servant, 

Geo,  IZARD. 
M*  Genl.  Brisbane^  ^c.  &fr.  &?r, 

Odelfown, 


lit'' 


'^     I. 


s-f%*tsk««,  ,,1.^  -  ^mtU^a^ 


-,-»jtt#S*l!^*?^-* 


1    ■'.■*  -nfft*'"'-^-"--"---'* 


4, 

me 
eve, 
was 
tier* 
this 
I  as 
)un- 
c;'n- 
that 
eo*' 
ady 
ex- 
lilar 
ier- 
hat- 
hali 
cn- 
s.    ' 


[>, 


143 


I£aJor  General  Izard  to  Brigadier  General  Macomb. 


SIR, 


Head  Quortere,  Chazy,  Augtut  2r,  1814. 


The  orders  of  the  department  of  war  call  me,  with 
a  considerable  part  of  the  force  under  my  command,  to 
the  westward.  As  you  are  the  officer  next  in  rank,  I  en- 
trust to  your  charge  the  posts  at  Piatt's  Point  and  Cum- 
berland Head,  with  the  command  of  the  United  States' 
troops  on  the  banks  of  lake  Champlain,  as  well  in  the 
state  of  Vermont  as  in  that  of  New- York. 

You  are  hereby  authorised  to  call  upon  the  ordnance 
and  quartermaster's  departments  for  such  supplies  as  you 
may  have  occasion  for.  A  co-operation  with  the  naval 
force  under  Captain  Macdonough  will  be  necessary,  in 
many  instances,  for  mutual  security  and  the  public  service* 
The  works  near  Plattsburg  are  now  in  a  state  of  defence. 
Should  they  be  attacked,  I  anticipate  much  distinction  for 
the  commandant  arxd  credit  for  the  troops. 

So  soon  as  the  finishing  work  is  performed  on  the  for- 
tifications,  you  will  direct  Major  Totten  and  Lieutenant 
Trcscott,  of  the  engineers,  to  join  me  at  Sackett's  Har- 
bour; they  must  make  their  arrangements  to  be  at  that 
place  on  the  12th  September  at  latest. 

Captain  SprouU  of  the  13th  regiment  will  remain  with 
you,  and  take  charge  of  such  detachments  of  infantry  as 
you  may  assign  to  him. 

Major  Bleecker,  Deputy  Quartermaster  General,  is  at- 
tached to  your  command. 

You  will  communicate  ail  matters  of '.np./iance  to  the 
war  office  directly,  and  let  me  know  from  time  to  time 
such  occurrences,  worthy  of  notice,  as  may  take  place 
within  the  limits  assigned  to  you. 


M 


n--/- 


14i 

I  have  writte»i  to  the  governor  of  New- York  to  inform 
him  that  Major  General  Moers,  senior  officer  of  militia 
in  this  part  of  the  country,  has  not  felt  himself  authorised 
to  call  out  one  regiment  of  infantry  and  one  troop  of  dra- 
goons, upon  a  requisition  made  by  me  some  days  ago.  It 
is  probable  that  the  governor  will  address  the  command- 
ing officer  here  on  this  subject.  Should  a  letter  for  me 
from  His  Excellency  arrive  at  the  post-office,  you  are 
hereby  instructed  to  open  it,  and  act  upon  its  contents.-— 
All  other  despatches  of  a  public  nature,  unless  addressed 
|o  me  or  commanding  officer^  you  will  forward  by  express 
to  be  furnished  by  the  quartermaster's  department,  or  by 
a  commissioned  officer  of  the  U.  S.  army. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sec. 


Return  and  estimate  of  the  forces  left  at  Plattibwg  {and  at  it*  dependencies)  on  the 
i%th  August,  commanded  by  Brigadier  General  Alexander  Macomb. 

FOR  DUTY. 

Aggregate. 

Detachments  of  the  regiments  and  corps  tbnt  marched  -  -77 

Captain  Leonard's  company  of  Light  Artillery             ...  iflO 

Captain  M'Glassin's,  ISth  Infantir           -               -           •             -  50 
6th,  29th,  30th,  3l8t,  33d,  and  34th  regte,  of  Infantry,  reported  from 

the  aggregate  present  on  the  3 1st  of  July            -               -              -  1771 

Capt.  Shell's  company,  6th  regt.,  arrived  9th  Sept.,  (100  aggregate)  say  80 

Detachment  of  13th  regt  under  Captain  SprouU,  estimated             -  200  ^ 

For  Duty        asrs 

Sick  and  Invalids  of  the  Light  Artillery  and  Dragoons,  the  4t,h,  5th,  '  , 
10th,  12th,  14th,  15th,  loth,  and  45th  regts.  of  Infkntry,  from  re. 

gimental  returns,  for  August,  of  these  regiments  -  803 

On  board  the  fleet,  detachments  from  the  infantry  of  the  line  -  250 

Grand  aggregate        3331 

Of  which  force,  it  is  presumed,  that  not  more  than  one  thousand  are 

Invalids  and  non-combatants. 
This  return  and  estimate  is  believed  to  be  under  the  total  amount  of  forces  left 
'       by  a  few  hundreds;  for  instance,  the  29th  regiment  was  reinforced  in  August 

by  a  detachment  under  Major  Sizer,— and  this  regt.  is  reported  from  July. 

J.  M.  O'CONNOR. 

■i^#        Lake  George,  3d  Sept.  1814.  Assist.  Adp  Gen. 

Omitted  in  the  above — two  veteran  companies  of  the  corps  of  Artillery,  com^ 
manded  by  Captain  Alexander  Brooks,  U.  S.  Artillery. 


.■^T,^..*4 --7- ,---.».  7T: 


gate; 

77 

100 
50 


i*. 


145 


.  Itb^vtu-:.   'ttii 


sfWi/i     li?iJiA-^*s      -lj:>»/.M-.     »''.,.ii;^i>«;i»s  iK.l*ji    isit 


».;*••-       -I* 


Emtmcts  of  Letters  from  Colonel  G.  C,  Mitchell,  United 

:ff^^m-i^->  I'^'^^-i:    State,  ArtiUery. 

^4'-,.,.,  uaSfea  ,v.-.   u,,ii.        5ac*.?//'*  «ir6o«r,  Octr.  lOrA,  1814. 

'  "  Co]iMODOR£  Chauncey  returned  to  Harbour  on  the 
7th  instant.  From  his  conversation  and  his  preparations  to 
build  several  batteries,  it  is  probable  he  will  not  venture 
another  cruise.  He  appears  convinced  that  Sir  James 
Yeo  will  attack  him  in  Harbour."      V^^    •  ^^^^    r  VT      ' 

"  There  are  about  three  thousand  troops  at  Kingston. 
Reported  that  Sir  George  Prevost  was  on  his  way  up 
with  a  large  force." ,     'v':       •*    ' 

*''  There  appears  to  be  a  general  alarm  in  the  country 
for  the  danger  of  this  place.  I  shall  take  advantage  of  it, 
and  make  the  militia  work  on  our  works,  which  are  con- 
siderably improved  since  you  left  this  place.^*   ; 


« 


October,  15/A,  1814. 

The  General  (Collins,  of  the  ir  ilitia)  read  me  a  letter 
to  day  from  below  Prescot,  inform'ng  that  an  attack  would 
be  made  on  this  place  on  the  16th  instant.  This  has 
alarmed  the  General  and  his  officers." — "  The  militia  un- 
der the  late  order  of  the  Governor  are  crowding  into  this 
place.  We  have  not  less  than  three  thousand  militia  at 
this  post.' 


» 


October,^  at  A,  1814. 

*  The  Britii^h  fleet  sailed  from  Kingston  on  the  18th 
with  between  two  and  three  thousand  land  troops  for 
the  Niagara.  Sir  (ieorge  Prevost  remained  at  Kingston." 
"  Lieutenant  — — •  was  over  in  Canada,  and  had  a  good 

T 


I 

i 


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rri"'  r.  I 


jf-^ — if/  • 


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146 

opportunity  of  obtaining  information.  As  usual  the  captuie 
of  this  post  was  spoken  of  \vith  confidence.  Sir  George 
had  pledged  himself  (report  says)  "  to  take  SueketVs 
Harbour  this  winter.''^  The  British  officers  visited  Og- 
densburg  daily.  One  of  them  had  been  to  this  post.  The 
enemy  was  supplied  with  scow  loads  of  live  cattle  every 
day." 


:f^\'€- 


■<\    '>. 


^>>"^3■. 


'•# 


\H^.  ^'i'^-".  '■ 


SEAA  GBMEEAi.* 


/Hm  Commodore  Chauncetfy  to  Major  General  Izanf^ 

^.  8.  Shift  Sufierior,  Saekett*»  Harbour^  Vtth  Octr,  18  U. 

.•..:H-;  •*,'!  •■^■;ft:■^ //'ijr  V!  r^^'K', r^>f> 

>'  I  CAME  in  with  the  fleet  a  few  days  since,  in  order  to 
prepare  for  the  reception  of  the  enemy.  The  Sylph  re- 
turned last  evening  with  information  that  the  enemy's 
fleet  was  out,  consisting  of  eight  sail,  including  his  large 
ship.  Whether  his  object  is  immediately  to  atts  jk  this 
place  or  go  to  the  head  of  the  Lake  with  provisions,  I 
am  at  a  loss  to  determine;  but  am  inclined  to  think  the 
latter.  But  that  he  is  determined  to  attack  this  place  this 
fall  we  have  every  reason  to  believe,  and  I  regret  that  we 
are  not  better  prepared  to  meet  him.  We  have  a  large 
body  of  militia  here,  it  is  true;  but  one  third  of  them  are 
without  arms,  and  the  best  of  them  are  still  militia.  I 
should  feel  more  safety  in  half  the  number  of  regular 
troops.  If  you  could  spare  a  regiment  from  your  army 
for  the  protection  of  this  place,  you  would  insure  its  safety; 
but  without  such  reinforcement  it  will  be  very  doabtful 
whether  the  place  can  be  maintained,  and  the  fall  of 
Sackett's  Harbour  involves  the  destruction  of  this  fleet. 
I  am  confident  that  you  will  give  this  subject  all  the  con- 


•■■«.c.,  Jk-J^;*.,,       -.,*;> 


•"-'  J:': 


u,j.  .^^..'.i^M  ■- 


■  ■iT^'TTr*'' '"  •■ 


"SV. 


U7 

sideration  that  its  liiiportance  demaiidSy  and  wiU  dcckkl 
with  a  view  of  promoting  the  best  interest  of  ouv 
oountiy.  "r-'''-  #'^i'^' •#■'" 

'*^.i  I  hAve  the  honour  to  be,  fcc.    ^- t    v.>^*> 

-•     v;-^,V'  -« »,4A     ^'i^i  ■■■!  .  •         ■• 

^om  Brigadier  Oeneral  Oliver  CoUinSy  New  York  Mill' 

tia  to  the  Same. 

).;      /,   '.,^  ...  Saekett't  Harbour^  Octr.  20tAt  \814. 

Colo  IT  EL  Washhjgton  Irving',  aid-de-camp  to  his  ex- 
cellency the  Governor,  arrived  here  on  the  Stl^^  instant, 
with  orders  to  empower  the  commandiL.g  officer  to  make 
such  reqaisitions  on  thti  mititia  as  should  be  thought  ad- 
visable for  the  defence  oS  tht  post.  After  consulting  with 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Mitchell,  I  called  the  militia  en  maatt 
from  the  counties  of  Herkimer,  Oneida,  Lewis,  and  !«£• 
ferson.  The  two  former  counties  have  produced  about 
twenty  five  hundred  men,  the  two  latter  not  more  than 
four  hundred,  which  in  addition  to  our  former  force 
amounts  to  between  five  and  six  thousand.  This  force 
might  protect  us  if  it  were  possible  to  detain  them.  We 
have  the  greatest  difficulty  on  account  of  quarters;  five 
thousand  men  are  almost  literally  without  them.^— Many 
are  quartered  in  the  dwelling-houses, — great  niunbers  arc 
quartered  in  barns-^frora  twen^  to  fifty  in  a  common 
room.  ^ 

Every  exertion  will  be  made  to  detain  the  militia  untii 
the  danger  is  past,< — but  I  fear  it  will  be  impossible  to 
detain  them  longer  than  the  1st  day  of  NovenU^er,  as  some 
of  my  confidential  officers  inform  me  that  there  appears  an 
universal  determination  to  go  in  a  body  on  that  day,  un- 
less they  are  discharged. 

If  there  is  a  probability  that  this  place  will  be  attacked 


F*.  . 


-••-'•-'-"■,-- 


/ 
,•11 


—-.;«*►  rj.li» 


..■'       ..', 


\"-:^::k 


/■  ', 


148 


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I 

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after  the  1st  of  November,  it  will  be  neceissary  to  send  a 
regular  force  to  ensure  our  safety.  .v^»^    .v    .*^.    h  i^   -' 
In  my  letter  of  the  1st  instant  I  requeflited  authority  to 
order  General  Courts  Martial  for  the  trial   of  militia 
offenders. 

O.  COLLTSS,  Brig.  OenL 

. -^ ,  • .       ,         ^  Commanding  at  Saekett't  Harbour. 

Majoi  General  Izard  to  Colonel  Mitchell^  U,  S,  ArttUery, 


'.h-..   SIR, 


JBtifalo,  6ctr.  28/A,  1814.; 


I  HAVE  to  thank  you  for  several  communications  since 
my  arrival  in  this  quarter;  the  last  is  of  the  25th  instant, 
and  was  received  this  morning.  Major  General  Brown's 
arrival  will  have  removed  some  of  the  embarrassments  of 
your  situation.  I  cannot  but  regret  that  such  an  accumu- 
lation of  militia  should  have  taken  place  at  Sackett's  Har- 
bour. The  expense  will  be  great  and  not  at  all  commen- 
surate to  their  usefulness.  For  my  own  part  I  very  much 
doubt  the  enemy's  attacking  you;  but  if  he  should  do  so 
after  the  arrival  of  tlie  force  under  Brigadier  General 
Winder,  I  anticipate  an  abundant  harvest  of  laurels  to  all 
concen)cd« 

General  Collins,  of  the  militia,  wrote  me  a  letter  dated 
the  520th,  in  which  he  expresses  his  belief  that  his  men 
will  go  off  in  a  body  on  the  1st  November,  unless  dis- 
chai^ed.  For  the  credit  of  the  country  I  trust  this  will  not 
be  done  till  the  regulars  arrive,  when  I  think  the  others 
may  be  spared. 

I  am  with  much  esteem,  &c. 


i'A.. 


.  ,%.,*<'•  ■ 


t. 

^'- ;V;t 

■    - 

'■-  -^  I"*''*** 

.f«flit-.,*b«,--. 

""m^  • 

,..** 

m 

S 

:nda 

ity  to 
lilitia 


tTbour. 


U9 

"■**?  ■■'■-'•    •    •     .-■  ■>      ..■    '   ,  .    '    :        ;,,.     •  ./      ...i.'-  -,.~  J,.,' 
The  Same  to  Brigadier  General  CoilinSt  New-  York  Militia. 

'■'•"■   Head'Quarter*t  Buffalo^  October  38rA,  1814. 

I  MAO  the  honor  to  receive  very  lately  your  letter  of  the 
20th  instant  from  Sackett's  Harbour.  While  I  regret  that 
the  militia  called  out  for  the  defence  of  that  post  are  sub- 
jected to  so  much  inconvenience,  I  indulge  the  hope  that 
they  will  not  abandon  it  before  a  considerable  reinforce- 
ment of  regular  troops,  now  on  their  march  from  this  quar- 
ter, shall  have  arrived. 

You  mention  in  your  letter  having  written  a  preceding 
one  to  me  on  the  1st  instant;  this  I  have  not  received. 
Miijor  General  Brown,  who  has  proceeded  to  take  the  com- 
mand at  your  station,  will  be  authorized  to  order  general 
courts-martial. 

,  I  am,  su",  your  obedient  servant,  '*^ 

i>*-i  •  .'it.'i'vf-  ■ft<!^fl!ffff|.'' .jjf:  ,,v;'. ■;,'*■    .■  ■?,;    •      .V.'-,. 


•f^  •■ 


The  Same  to  Comrhddore  Chauncey. 


■V-ii- 


I 


JrkM 


Buffalo^  October  29, 18U. 

H  '         DEAR  SIR, 

I  HAD  some  days  ago  the  pleasure  to  receive  your  letter 
of  the  17th  from  Sacketf's  Harbour. — You  will  have  found 
that  I  anticipated  your  wishes,  in  detaching,  as  soon  as 
circumstances  in  Uiis  quarter  permitted  me  to  do  so,  a  large 
force  for  the  defence  of  that  place. 

No  authentic  information  respecting  the  movements  of 
the  enemy  has  lately  reached  me.  It  is  believed  that  they 


\-  •?■:: 


ISO 

have  landed  some  fresh  troops  at  fort  Georp^,  and  have 
I  taken  away  their  wounded  and  invalids.  Their  fleet  lay 
some  days  off  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara,  and  then  disap- 
peared. I  cannot  but  doubt  their  intention  to  attack  you 
in  port;-->--but  this  is  no  time  for  coniecture. 

am,  &.C.        • 

^^.   ;A,v-,i«^'»,r?  V. i*. ■*•:.. 'A>r1.» '''■>"*  f ''vJW^-x*,,**'-*,  --■-,'^3«  ■^)l/■^il^i•!"■ 
:  ^  M^or  TattM,  U.  S.  Engineert,  to  Oentrul  Izardt^i^ 

•^•^ ■    .:-..  •  "--^ 

I  HAVE  the  honour  to  report  that  from  the  progress 
already  made  in  preparation  for  the  explosion  of  these 
works,  three  more  days  may  be  estimated  as  suf  'ent.  It 
is  proper  to  state  the  impossibility  of  sinking  our  .  ^fts  to 
a  depth  which  will  give  the  greatest  eflfect  to  our  powder, 
from  the  circumstance  of  meeting  veins  of  water  in  almost 
every  instance  of  our  attempts.  More  powder  will  conse- 
quently be- requisite,  nor  indeed  will  that  resource  give  us 
the  means  of  complete  destruction.  The  materials  of  the 
bastions  also  (the  toughest  clay  and  masonry )  require  201b 
of  powder  to  a  cubic  toise,— a  proportion  unusually 
^^reat. 

I  beg  leave  to  enclose  for  your  order  a  return  of  the 

ordnance  master.   The  quantity  is  doubtless  more  than 

sufficient.  I  am  de^rous  of  having  at  hand  enough  to  meet 

contingencies.  *  *  '•*' 

»■   ''^  ■'■'•■  ^'    "••  -v  .:  ^Alam,  &c.     ■   -■•;    '■'"   ".'•■'•^''^ 


.•.-^ 


!       ;f 


r^^^^ — ...'^«!rr?;" 


f 

''I''  '   ''■ 


•\"^- 


^■...,. 


i  . 


151 


'-...|»^"-  i-"V:.-,^'.    ANSWER. 

«   >  V'  ■       Neud-Quarter»f  Mvemder  Srf,  18 U. 


't  ^ 


'  ^  2(       i, 


SIR, 

Yours  dated  the  1st  instant  (by  mistake  I  presume)  it 
this  moment  received.  There  is  an  irrefragable  argument 
against  sending  the  article*  )^ou  require,  which  you  shall 
know  in  due  season.  Let  then  what  can  be  usefully  applied 
at  fort  £rie  be  freely  used  at  the  last  momem  only,  and  let 
me  know  positively,  before  iMon  to-morrow,  your  state  of 
preparation. 

'         I  remain,  &c       '    * ' 

Lieut,  CoL  Hhtdmant  U,  S.  Artillery ^  to  MaJ,  Oenl.  Izard. 


i,"-/'?*-^' 


SIR, 


Fort  Erie,  U/iper  Canada,  Mvember  3d,  I8U. 


I  HAVE  this  moment  received  a  flag,  which  I  send  you 
by  Lieutenant  Robinson,  dragoons.  It  is  evident  from 
some  improper  questions  asked  the  picket  guard,  that 
something  is  brewing,  \  dragoon  deserted  last  night  from 
vfff  picket  guard,  he  \.  lU  be  able  to  tell  the  enemy  much. 
By  to-morrow  night  I  think  we  shall  be  ready  to  blow  up 
the  place.  If  heavy  boats  are  not  sent,  there  will  be  a  great 
sacrifice  of  artillery.  I  sent  over  yesterday  ten  or  twelve 
pieces  of  heavy  ordnance.  I  have  fifteen  or  sixteen  still 

*  NoTB.— There  was  at  this  time  a  great  scarcity  of  powder 
with  us.  ^  '     ^   *, 


,  -'■•%• 


■# 


■  -Ttf  •.',*'P'*~'^  *«■    il       '"  '    "  '—   "01 


aNf 


>-*--? 


^'  ■  :'ifc. 


1f^"' 


\  ■ 


mf'-m 


i 


It 


M 


1 


-(•  • 


152 


here^  and  some  heavy.  I  wait  boats  to  transport  them  to 
the  other  side.  We  have  horses  and  oxen,  which  can  only 
be  transported  from  opposite  the  Rock,  but  I  fear  the 
enemy  will  seize  upon  the  ferry. 

;^^it.if4-.  ■■'■'lAydi^^.  '■        lam,  &c.  '  '    ■     ■  ^'.^ 

My:  '  '-^%^t-r<'?^'m'kl  ANSWER. 


*^f!* 


rv^ 


iM'xi0'i  ■■"  ■    ^■i'-'r.i'i^^t-^i  i'/liarf  Quartert,  JVovember  3rf,  1814.  i;' 

^J^'/  iSIR,       .'.        •'  '•^■•'  ' 

Your  note  dated  (I  presume  by  mistake)  the  2d  No- 
vember, is  received  this  day.  Large  boats  for  your  pur- 
pose will  be  provided,  and  nothing  of  value  must  be  left. 
You  can,  should  you  be  molested,  defend  yourself,  and 
will  of  course,  be  duly  supported.  It  is  from  choice,  not 
force,  that  we  relinquish  an  useless  conquest;  and  if  die 
latter  be  resorted  to,  we  will  keep  it.  v      ^  ^  r,     ,  ^^ 


■<.T-^^»:---vv>j:7>-' 


I  am,  8cc.  '■'^-''■■-r- 


,.*.rf».f . 


M-' 


...L. 


\;,  ;,:    ,..,        FINIS.  _  _:■•,_•_ 

KKRATA. 

Page  1 1,  Line  12,  for  ^^  shall"  read  a/iould. 

Page  17,  Line  13,  for  «  Lormax"  read  J.omax. 

Page  26,  Line    9,  for  «<  on"  read  at. 

Page    67,  Line  15,  for  "  military"  read  militia. 

Page  1  10,  Line  22,  for  «  25rA  ?>?«;««<;"  read  l.s/  instant. 


4 


s. 
I 


«...  V* 


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I.--.. 


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